Story perspectives

Saudi Arabia's Drug War: 320 Executions Amid Controversy

11/7/2025

50 6

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia has intensified a 'war on drugs,' with at least 320 executions this year.
This surge comes despite Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, pledged to curb executions.
Reprieve reports two-thirds of executions are for drug offenses, while critics note low-income foreigners from Egypt, Ethiopia, and Somalia are disproportionately affected.
Many facing the death penalty are low-level smugglers who say they were coerced into drug trafficking.

1 of 1

Story summary

Saudi Arabia has intensified a 'war on drugs,' with at least 320 executions this year.
This surge comes despite Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, pledged to curb executions.
Reprieve reports two-thirds of executions are for drug offenses, while critics note low-income foreigners from Egypt, Ethiopia, and Somalia are disproportionately affected.
Many facing the death penalty are low-level smugglers who say they were coerced into drug trafficking.