Saudi Arabia has gone far beyond the other countries of the world in the case of death penalty. In the year 2025, 200 people have been hanged in this country so far. According to Amnesty International’s report, if the same speed is there, then the record of 2024 can also be broken. Last year, 345 people were hanged there, which was the highest number of ever.
Why is so much hanging?
According to experts, the biggest reason for this is the “fight against drugs” which was launched by Saudi Arabia in 2023. In 2022, the death was stopped in drug cases, but was resumed. In 2024, 144 people have been hanged so far in drugs related cases.
Most hanged foreign people have been hanged
In June itself, 37 people were hanged in drug cases, out of which 34 were foreigners such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria etc. Human rights organizations are saying that foreign nationals do not get the right legal process and they have excesses.
Is the smuggling of drugs decreasing due to hanging?
The government says that this is getting results and smugglers are getting strict punishment. But it is not clear in the reports that how much crime has reduced. Human rights activists say that there is no definite benefit from the death penalty.
What is the effect on the image of Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia wants to show itself as an open and modern country in the world, especially under Vision 2030. He is trying to increase tourism, bring sports events (such as 2034 World Cup). But reports of death sentence and human rights violation are harming its image.
What is the reaction of America and the world?
Saudi Arabia was criticized after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashogi in 2018. But countries like America now pay more attention to trade, and are not adopting strict attitude on human rights issues.
