188 people executed in Saudi Arabia this year

Bangla Press Desk: In the first 10 months of this year, 188 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia. These executions were carried out for various offenses, including murder, drug trafficking, and crimes related to terrorism.
Statistics from the first six months of the year indicate that the largest proportion of these executions were for drug-related offenses. (Source: Business Recorder)
According to data based on official announcements—compiled by the news agency AFP—188 individuals had been executed in Saudi Arabia as of October 17. The following day, October 18, reports emerged regarding the execution of five Saudi nationals. Additionally, news surfaced concerning the execution of two Bangladeshi citizens.
According to the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR), 108 people were executed in Saudi Arabia during the first six months of the year. Among them, 71 were executed for drug-related offenses, 25 for murder, 9 for political or security-related crimes, and 3 for other offenses.
These figures show that approximately 66 percent of the executions carried out during that six-month period were for drug-related crimes. Of those executed, 59 were foreign nationals, and 49 were Saudi citizens.
A report by Amnesty International, published on June 22, stated that 96 people had been executed in Saudi Arabia up to that point; at least 61 of these cases involved drug-related offenses. According to the organization's records, at least 356 people were executed in the country in 2025.
Saudi Arabia’s judicial system operates based on a combination of Sharia-based provisions, written laws, and royal decrees. Punishments are determined based on the nature of the crime, the evidence presented, and the applicable legal provisions.
The country mandates the death penalty for serious offenses, particularly the trafficking—including the importation and distribution—of drugs. However, not all drug-related offenses carry the same penalty; depending on the nature of the crime and the relevant laws, punishments may range from imprisonment and fines to more severe penalties. In cases of intentional homicide, the death penalty may be imposed under the principle of *qisas* (retribution). However, the outcome of such a case may change if the heirs of the victim—subject to specific legal conditions—grant a pardon or accept financial compensation (*diya*).
Furthermore, the death penalty can also be applied for offenses such as terrorism, attacks on security forces, and involvement in serious terrorist activities.
An AFP report from October 18 noted that five Saudi nationals were executed. They had been accused of joining foreign terrorist organizations, opening fire on security forces, and facilitating terrorist acts.
International human rights organizations have long expressed concern regarding the extensive use of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia—particularly the practice of imposing capital punishment for drug-related offenses.
According to Amnesty International, the use of the death penalty for drug-related crimes is inconsistent with international human rights standards. The organization opposes the death penalty for all types of offenses.
Data from the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) indicates that, of the 108 individuals executed during the first six months of 2026, 83 were not charged with intentional homicide. The organization suggests that these figures raise questions about the scale and scope of capital punishment in the country.
Conversely, Saudi authorities maintain that the death penalty is a necessary measure for upholding public order and security. Citing Saudi officials, the AFP report states that executions are carried out only after all legal avenues for appeal have been exhausted.

BP/TD