Saudi Arabia has executed more than 100 foreigners this year so far – the highest number ever, according to a human rights group. The latest execution, on Saturday in the southwestern region of Najran, was of a Yemeni national convicted of smuggling ...

Saudi Arabia has long faced criticism for its use of the death penalty, which human rights organisations have condemned as disproportionate and out of step with the country’s efforts to soften its strict image and attract international tourists and investors.

The 101 foreigners executed so far included nationals from Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt, and other countries.

Saudi Arabia has executed more than 100 foreigners this year so far – the highest number ever, according to a human rights group. The latest execution, on Saturday in the southwestern region of Najran,

The latest was of a Yemeni national convicted of smuggling drugs, after a three-year moratorium on executing drug offenders ended in 2022.

This year's executions include 21 from Pakistan, 20 from Yemen, and 14 from Syria, while three each from Sudan, India and Afghanistan, and one each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea and the Philippines

According to Amnesty International, Saudi Arabia executed the third-highest number of prisoners across the world after China and Iran in 2023.

Foreigners executed this year have included 21 from Pakistan, 20 from Yemen, 14 from Syria, 10 from Nigeria, nine from Egypt, eight from Jordan and seven from Ethiopia. There were also three each from Sudan, India and Afghanistan, and one each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea and the Philippines.