In recent months, Saudi Arabia has intensified its enforcement of drug laws, resulting in a sharp increase in executions for drug-related crimes. The country has seen a surge in amphetamine trafficking, which has prompted authorities to impose the death penalty on hundreds of individuals. Many of those executed are foreign nationals convicted of smuggling these drugs into the kingdom.
Public executions, a practice that has been a part of Saudi Arabia’s legal system for years, have become more frequent in recent times. The government has cited the need to combat drug trafficking and protect national security as justification for the continued use of the death penalty. Critics argue that the policy has been used disproportionately against foreign nationals, raising concerns about human rights and legal fairness.
Amphetamines, which are often linked to organized crime networks, have become a significant challenge for Saudi authorities. The state has taken a hard line on drug enforcement, with officials emphasizing the importance of eradicating these substances from the country. While the government maintains that its actions are necessary to maintain public order and safety, human rights organizations have called for reforms to the justice system and a reduction in the use of the death penalty for non-violent offenses.