Saudi Arabia carried out a record number of executions during 2025, putting 356 individuals to death according to a report from the AFP news agency. This figure establishes a new and grim benchmark for the kingdom's use of capital punishment.
A Record-Breaking Year for Executions
The total of 356 executions in 2025 represents a significant escalation in Saudi Arabia's application of the death penalty. The report, published on January 1, 2026, highlights a continuing trend that has drawn consistent criticism from human rights organizations and foreign governments. The previous records were already among the highest in the world, making this increase particularly alarming for observers.
Context and International Reaction
This surge occurs amidst Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to modernize its economy and global image under initiatives like Vision 2030. The stark contrast between these modernization projects and the judicial practices has often been a point of international contention. Human rights groups routinely condemn the kingdom's justice system, citing concerns over fair trials and the types of crimes deemed capital offenses.
Capital punishment in Saudi Arabia is applied for a range of crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and terrorism-related offenses. The method of execution is most often beheading. The record number for 2025 is expected to prompt renewed calls for the kingdom to halt executions and reform its judicial processes.
Implications and Global Standing
The new record solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as one of the world's leading executioners. This practice places it at odds with a global trend where many nations are abolishing the death penalty or instituting moratoriums. For Canada, a country that formally opposes capital punishment worldwide, this development reinforces longstanding diplomatic and human rights concerns regarding Saudi judicial practices.
The report underscores a persistent challenge in international relations: balancing strategic and economic partnerships with the unwavering promotion of fundamental human rights. As the details of the 2025 executions emerge, the international community will be watching closely to see if this record level of state-sanctioned killings continues or becomes an anomaly.
