Saudi Arabia reportedly carried out the executions of 10 Nigerians and 79 other foreign nationals, primarily for drug-related offences in 2024.
This represents a significant rise compared to previous years, where an average of 34 foreigners were executed annually in 2022 and 2023.
The countries of origin of those executed this year include Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, and Ethiopia.
According to the European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, the 2024 total marks the highest number of foreign executions in a single year in Saudi Arabia’s history.
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Human rights advocates continue to condemn the kingdom’s widespread use of the death penalty, particularly as it seeks to enhance its global reputation and attract international tourists and investors. In 2023, Saudi Arabia ranked third in the world for executions, trailing only China and Iran, as reported by Amnesty International.
In September, Saudi Arabia was reported to have executed more individuals in 2024 than in any year over the past three decades.
As of late 2024, the total number of executions reached 274. This increase follows the resumption of capital punishment for drug-related offenses in 2022, after a three-year hiatus, with 92 executions for drug crimes this year alone, including 69 foreign nationals.
Foreign nationals often face significant barriers to receiving fair trials in Saudi Arabia, including limited access to court documents and disproportionately harsh sentences. While the kingdom typically employs beheading as a method of execution, this is rarely officially confirmed.
These actions appear to contradict statements made by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who previously suggested a reduction in the use of the death penalty, except in cases involving murder or serious threats to public safety.
The rising number of executions, particularly among foreigners, has sparked growing international concern and anxiety among the families of those facing death sentences.
Tunde Adeleke
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