Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia has executed more than 300 people in 2024, according to reports, continuing a high rate of executions for crimes like murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism. This marks a significant increase compared to last year, raising concerns among human rights organizations about the fairness of trials and the lack of transparency in the legal process.
While the Saudi government defends the death penalty as a deterrent against crime, the surge in executions has drawn widespread international criticism. Human rights groups have called for reforms, citing fears of political dissidents being targeted and the use of forced confessions.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the leading countries in the use of the death penalty, with executions often carried out by beheading. The growing trend of executions is part of the kingdom’s broader approach to law enforcement and national security.
