Aklilu Tsegay

The BBC interviewed seven Ethiopian prisoners facing execution in Saudi Arabia, where dozens and possibly up to 200 Ethiopians are reportedly awaiting death sentences for alleged drug-related offenses. The prisoners described arrests connected to khat or hashish trafficking, forced signatures on Arabic documents, inadequate translation, lack of lawyers, mass trials and overcrowded, abusive prison conditions. Human-rights groups say Saudi Arabia frequently fails to provide due process, while Saudi authorities maintain that executions follow investigation, trial, appeal, Supreme Court review and royal approval. At least 17 Ethiopians were executed during the first seven months of 2026, amid limited diplomatic intervention from Ethiopia and continuing appeals for the executions to stop.

Ethiopian prisoners awaiting execution in Saudi Arabia told the BBC that they were denied lawyers, adequate interpretation and meaningful opportunities to defend themselves in drug-trafficking cases. Seven prisoners, mostly from Tigray, described severe overcrowding and harsh conditions, while some said they were unknowingly transporting khat rather than hashish and were forced to sign Arabic documents they could not understand. Saudi Arabia executed 17 Ethiopians in the first seven months of the year, compared with 35 during all of 2025 and two two years earlier. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Reprieve raised concerns about systemic fair-trial violations, while Ethiopian officials said they were engaging Saudi authorities but did not directly address the executions.

Ethiopian migrants imprisoned in Saudi Arabia tell the BBC they are facing execution for alleged drug trafficking after proceedings in which they say they lacked lawyers, adequate translation and a meaningful opportunity to defend themselves. Rights groups report a sharp rise in executions of Ethiopians, including 17 during the first seven months of 2026, amid broader use of the death penalty for drug offenses. Prisoners describe overcrowded and harsh conditions, while Saudi authorities defend the executions as the result of a formal judicial process intended to protect society from drugs. Diplomatic efforts by Ethiopia have so far produced little apparent relief, and the prisoners continue to fear imminent execution.