Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:34pm on 21 Dec 2025,Sunday International
Rights groups have condemned a sharp rise in executions in Saudi Arabia. At least 347 people have been executed this year. This is the highest number on record. UK-based group Reprieve said most cases were linked to drug crimes. Many of those executed were foreign nationals. Some were minors at the time of arrest. Families were often not informed in advance. Critics say trials were unfair and confessions forced. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed reforms but dissent is tightly controlled. Saudi authorities deny wrongdoing and defend the death penalty.
