Saudi Arabia's Executions Surge to Record High | JQJO

Saudi Arabia's executions surged to a record high of 345 in 2023, with a further 180 in the first half of 2024, according to Amnesty International. This alarming increase, driven largely by drug-related offenses, contradicts Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 2022 claim of limiting executions to homicide. Amnesty and Reprieve highlight the disproportionate number of foreign nationals executed, often without proper legal representation. The surge in executions clashes with the kingdom's 'Vision 2030' reform initiative and ongoing human rights concerns.