Record Surge in Death Penalties in Saudi Arabia in 2023
Riyadh:Saudi Arabia has witnessed a record increase in executions this year, with **330 individuals** sentenced to death in 2023. This marks the highest number of executions in recent years, despite previous claims by Saudi Crown Prince **Mohammed bin Salman** in 2022 that the death penalty would be abolished.
According to international media reports, the Saudi ruler’s statement on ending capital punishment appears to have contradicted the reality on the ground, as the number of executions has increased significantly. **Reuters**, citing human rights organizations, reported that in **2023**, the kingdom executed more than **330 people**, a dramatic rise compared to **172** executions in **2022** and **196** in **2021**.
The executions in 2023 largely involved individuals convicted of non-violent crimes, such as drug trafficking and non-lethal terrorism offenses. A significant number of those executed were involved in **drug smuggling**, particularly from **Syria**, with over **100 foreign nationals** among those put to death. Human rights organizations have criticized the surge, especially as many of those executed were not charged with violent crimes.
The data on these executions was compiled from announcements by organizations working on human rights issues, and **Reuters** confirmed the accuracy of these figures.
