Imagine standing at a border, hopeful for a better life, only to be ensnared in a system where one misstep could cost you everything. This is the chilling reality for many foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia, where a recent surge in executions for drug-related offenses has raised global alarm. I’ve always believed that justice should be fair, not fatal, but the numbers tell a stark story: over 1,800 executions since 2014, with a third tied to drug charges that don’t always warrant death under international law. What’s going on here, and why does it matter?
A Disturbing Trend in Saudi Arabia
The kingdom’s execution rate has spiked dramatically, with 345 people executed in 2024 alone—the highest in decades. This year, the pace hasn’t slowed, with 180 executions by mid-2025, including 46 in a single month. Most shockingly, three-quarters of those executed for drug offenses were foreign nationals from countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Pakistan. These aren’t kingpins; many are low-level couriers, often vulnerable due to poverty or limited education.
The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. It should never be used.
– Human rights advocate
It’s hard not to feel a knot in your stomach reading that. The death penalty for drug crimes feels like a sledgehammer where a scalpel might do. And yet, Saudi Arabia’s legal system seems to lean heavily on this extreme measure, particularly against foreigners. Why is this happening, and what makes it so hard to stop?
The Human Cost of Drug Laws
Drug trafficking laws in Saudi Arabia are notoriously strict, but the death penalty’s application often lacks transparency. Many of those executed are foreign workers or migrants, lured by promises of quick cash or coerced into carrying drugs across borders. Take the story of a young man who was told by a border guard to admit to smuggling to “speed up” his case, only to land on death row with no evidence. Seven years later, his family is still haunted by the betrayal.
I find it particularly gut-wrenching that socio-economic vulnerabilities play such a huge role. Limited education, poverty, and lack of legal representation stack the deck against these individuals. It’s not just a legal issue—it’s a human one. How can a system claim justice when it disproportionately targets the disadvantaged?
Foreign Nationals in the Crosshairs
Foreign nationals make up a staggering 75% of drug-related executions. These individuals often come from countries with fragile economies, seeking work or passage through Saudi Arabia. Their stories are heartbreaking: a Somali worker, an Egyptian driver, a Pakistani laborer—all caught in a system that seems to exploit their desperation. The lack of adequate legal support and language barriers only deepen their plight.
- Language barriers: Many defendants can’t fully understand the charges or defend themselves effectively.
- Limited legal access: Quality representation is often unaffordable or unavailable.
- Coercion: Some are pressured into confessions under false pretenses.
It’s worth pausing to ask: If you were in a foreign land, barely scraping by, would you have the resources to navigate a complex legal system? Most of us wouldn’t. This imbalance feels less like justice and more like a trap.
A Broken Moratorium
In 2021, Saudi Arabia announced a moratorium on drug-related executions, offering a glimmer of hope. But by November 2022, that promise was shattered, and executions resumed with a vengeance. Families of inmates describe living in constant dread, with some told to “say their goodbyes” shortly after major holidays. The unpredictability is chilling—executions can happen “any day,” leaving families in a state of perpetual fear.
We were told executions would start soon after the holiday. Now they have.
– Family member of a death row inmate
This reversal raises questions about the kingdom’s commitment to reform. Was the moratorium a genuine step forward or just a public relations move? The numbers suggest the latter, and that’s a tough pill to swallow for those who hoped for change.
The International Perspective
Under international human rights law, the death penalty should be reserved for the “most serious crimes,” like murder. Drug offenses often don’t meet this threshold, yet Saudi Arabia persists. Human rights advocates argue that these executions violate global norms, particularly when applied to vulnerable populations. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Saudi Arabia has signed, also prohibits executing minors, yet several young men face death for alleged crimes committed as teenagers.
| Issue | International Standard | Saudi Practice |
| Death Penalty Scope | Reserved for “most serious crimes” | Applied to drug offenses |
| Juvenile Offenders | Prohibited by UN Convention | Minors at risk of execution |
| Fair Trials | Right to adequate defense | Limited legal support for foreigners |
Perhaps the most frustrating part is the silence from some of Saudi Arabia’s allies. Global pressure could push for change, but economic and political ties often take precedence. It makes you wonder: Where’s the line between diplomacy and accountability?
Discrimination and Disparity
Beyond drug crimes, the death penalty’s application raises concerns about discrimination. For example, Saudi Arabia’s Shia minority, roughly 12% of the population, accounts for 42% of terrorism-related executions. This disproportionate targeting suggests systemic bias, further undermining the system’s credibility. When justice feels like persecution, can it still be called justice?
I’ve always thought fairness should be blind, but these patterns paint a different picture. The data speaks for itself: certain groups face harsher consequences, whether due to nationality, religion, or economic status. It’s a sobering reminder that justice systems reflect the societies they serve—warts and all.
What Can Be Done?
Reforming this system won’t be easy, but there are steps that could make a difference. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Reinstate the moratorium: A permanent ban on drug-related executions would align with international standards.
- Improve legal access: Provide free, quality representation for all defendants, especially foreigners.
- Transparency: Publicly report execution data and trial processes to ensure accountability.
- International pressure: Allies should push for human rights compliance over economic interests.
These steps aren’t just wishful thinking—they’re practical moves that could save lives. But change requires courage, both from Saudi authorities and the global community. Are we up to the challenge?
A Personal Reflection
In my experience, stories like these hit hard because they remind us how fragile human rights can be. One mistake, one moment of desperation, can spiral into an irreversible tragedy. The families of those on death row aren’t just statistics—they’re people living with unimaginable grief. I can’t help but wonder how I’d cope in their shoes, knowing a loved one’s fate hangs in the balance.
The death penalty’s finality leaves no room for error, yet errors seem all too common in these cases. From coerced confessions to inadequate defenses, the system feels rigged against the vulnerable. It’s not just about policy—it’s about humanity.
Looking Ahead
The world is watching Saudi Arabia, but watching isn’t enough. Human rights advocates are calling for immediate action: a moratorium on executions, legal reforms, and commuted sentences. The kingdom’s global influence makes this a delicate issue, but silence isn’t an option. Every execution is a life lost, and every life matters.
Saudi Arabia must halt this execution spree and uphold human rights obligations.
– Human rights researcher
As I reflect on this, I’m struck by the urgency of the situation. The numbers are staggering, but behind each one is a story, a family, a life. If we believe in justice, we have to ask: How can we help stop this? The answer lies in awareness, advocacy, and action—starting with conversations like this one.
