Saudi sets new death penalty record after executing 340 in 2025: AFP tally
Summary
Saudi Arabia has set a new record for executions in 2025 with 340 people put to death, mostly in drug-related cases, as part of its intensified war on drugs campaign.
Key Points
- Saudi Arabia has executed 340 people in 2025, breaking its own yearly record for the second consecutive year.
- The majority of the executions are tied to drug-related offenses under the kingdom's intensified war on drugs initiated in 2023.
- Most of those executed are foreign nationals, raising criticism from rights groups about the legality and ethics of these executions.
- Saudi Arabia argues the death penalty is necessary for maintaining public order and is used only after full legal processes and appeals.
