Saudi Arabia: Almost 100 people executed so far this year as dozens more remain on death row for drug-related offences

23 June 2026

Saudi Arabian authorities have executed nearly 100 people so far this year, including at least 61 for drug-related offences, the latest of which was on 18 June. In response, Dana Ahmed, Middle East Researcher at Amnesty International, said today:

"It is halfway through the year and Saudi Arabia has executed nearly 100 people, a grim milestone exposing the authorities' unconscionable and unlawful use of the death penalty. Of the 96 people put to death already in 2026, an astounding 61 were executed for drug-related offences; 39 of them were foreign nationals and 22 Saudi nationals.

"Instead of reflecting on the human cost of their harshly punitive policies, the Saudi authorities continue to carry out executions at an alarming rate, including for drug-related offences."

"At a time when governments and international institutions are increasingly acknowledging the need to promote evidence-based and rights-respecting responses to drug-related issues, Saudi Arabia continues to execute people for offences that should never be punished by death under international law and standards. Instead of reflecting on the human cost of their harshly punitive policies, the Saudi authorities continue to carry out executions at an alarming rate, including for drug-related offences.

"Foreign nationals have borne the brunt of Saudi Arabia's ruthless use of the death penalty for drug-related offences, frequently after grossly unfair trials. It is profoundly alarming that at least 63 Ethiopian nationals, held in a single ward of Khamis Mushait detention facility in south-west Saudi Arabia, may be at imminent risk of execution solely for drug-related offences. Concerns for their safety have heightened after seven Ethiopians were executed earlier this year - all for 'smuggling hashish'.

"Saudi Arabia's execution spree reflects a dangerous global trend in which punitive drug policies are increasingly driving the use of the death penalty. The international community must speak out unequivocally against these unlawful executions, and Saudi Arabia must immediately establish a moratorium on the use of this cruel and irreversible punishment as a first critical step towards abolition."

Background

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