Saudi Arabia's 'War on Drugs' Fuels Record 356 Executions in 2025

• Saudi Arabia executed a record 356 people in 2025, marking the highest number in a single year.
• The sharp rise is linked to Riyadh's intensified "war on drugs," with 243 executions related to drug offences.
• This marks the second consecutive year of record executions, following 338 in 2024.
• Human rights groups, like ESOHR, criticize the executions as "intimidation and fear" and a failure of reform promises.
• For the first time, more foreign nationals were executed than Saudi citizens, highlighting the impact on migrant workers.

Why It Matters: Saudi Arabia's "war on drugs" led to a record 356 executions in 2025, drawing human rights criticism.