Executions in Saudi Arabia doubled in 2024 to at least 345, the highest number Amnesty International has ever recorded for the kingdom. The surge, mostly for terrorism and drug offenses, places Saudi Arabia behind only Iran and China globally. Despite past pledges by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce capital punishment, rights groups say the trend continues in 2025, with over 60 people executed already this year. Critics allege that Saudi courts often rely on forced confessions, deny fair trials, and use the death penalty to suppress dissent, especially among the Shi’a minority. Most executions are carried out by beheading, sometimes for non-violent crimes. Amnesty and other groups warn of growing secrecy and arbitrariness in sentencing. While unlikely to affect U.S.-Saudi ties under President Trump, the rise in executions is drawing renewed international scrutiny as Saudi officials prepare for key diplomatic meetings.
Pray for a just legal system in Saudi Arabia. Pray for fair, transparent, and unbiased trials in all cases. Pray for justice to prevail in the nation (The Holy Bible, Job 36:6).
Pray for the authorities to stop the executions in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the right to live and other rights and freedom of civilians to be defended by the government (The Holy Bible, Psalm 17:13).
News Source: Newsweek
Image Source: Canva.com
