Saudi Arabia Executes Over 100 Foreign Nationals in 2024.
Saudi Arabia has executed more than 100 foreign nationals so far in 2024, according to data compiled by AFP.
This marks a significant surge compared to previous years, with the number of executions reaching nearly triple the figures for both 2023 and 2022, where 34 foreigners were executed each year.
The latest execution took place on Saturday, November 16, in the southwestern region of Najran. A Yemeni national was put to death after being convicted of drug smuggling, as reported by the official Saudi Press Agency.
This brought the total number of foreign executions in 2024 to 101, setting a new record according to AFP’s analysis based on state media reports.
Rising Numbers and Historical Context
The European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR), based in Berlin, noted that this year’s executions have already reached unprecedented levels.
“This is the largest number of executions of foreigners in a single year. Saudi Arabia has never executed 100 foreigners in a year before,” said Taha al-Hajji, ESOHR’s legal director.
Saudi Arabia’s rate of executions has accelerated rapidly in recent years. In September, AFP reported that the kingdom surpassed its previous execution record, with 274 executions carried out so far in 2024. This surpasses the highs of 196 in 2022 and 192 in 1995. Amnesty International ranked Saudi Arabia as the third-highest country for executions globally in 2023, following China and Iran.
Breakdown of Executions by Nationality
The foreign nationals executed in 2024 include 21 from Pakistan, 20 from Yemen, 14 from Syria, 10 from Nigeria, nine from Egypt, eight from Jordan, and seven from Ethiopia. Other countries with nationals executed include Sudan, India, Afghanistan (three each), and Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines (one each).
Executions for Drug-Related Offenses
The increase in executions is largely attributed to drug-related offenses. In 2022, Saudi Arabia ended a three-year moratorium on executing drug offenders, which has since contributed to the rise in numbers. Out of the 274 total executions this year, 92 have been for drug-related crimes, with 69 involving foreign nationals.
Challenges for Foreign Defendants
Human rights activists and diplomats have expressed concerns about the fairness of trials for foreign defendants. According to ESOHR’s Taha al-Hajji, foreign nationals face greater challenges in accessing fair trials, including difficulties obtaining court documents.
“Foreigners are the most vulnerable group,” said Hajji. He emphasized that many are victims of major drug dealers and experience a series of violations from arrest to execution.
