The Uncertain Fate of Death Row Inmates in Saudi Arabia

Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim, a man whose life hangs by a thread, can be seen on the right with his family before his unfortunate arrest—a moment captured long before the shadows of legal turmoil descended upon him.

Recent reports reveal that dozens of individuals from the Horn of Africa, currently on death row in Saudi Arabia, are facing an agonizing uncertainty. Inmates and their worried families have disclosed to Middle East Eye that their executions could transpire “any day now.” Can you imagine the palpable anxiety coursing through these families? The threat looms large, casting a shadow over their hopes and dreams.

These men, primarily hailing from Ethiopia and Somalia, have been convicted of drug trafficking—a crime that carries the ultimate punishment in the Kingdom. Currently detained at Najiran prison, close to the Yemeni border, reports indicate that they were informed several weeks ago that their sentences, which typically involve beheading, may soon be carried out.

“They told us to say our goodbyes,” one condemned man, who wished to remain anonymous to protect his safety, shared with MEE. “Initially, we were informed that executions would begin shortly after Eid al-Adha, and now it seems they have already commenced.” The gravity of such a statement leaves a heavy weight on the chest.

A list of names obtained includes 43 individuals from Ethiopia and 13 from Somalia. Disturbingly, sources indicate at least six executions have been carried out in just the past month. This rise in executions is alarming, and Amnesty International has reported at least 52 executions concerning drug-related charges in the Kingdom from January to April alone.

In the midst of this chaos, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is attempting to reshape the conservative image of Saudi Arabia as part of his Vision 2030 initiative—a bold economic reform program that aims to modernize various aspects of society. The country is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup as a part of its global outreach. However, in a surprising turn of events, the moratorium enacted in 2021 on capital punishment for drug offences has been lifted, leading to an accelerated rate of executions.

Last year alone, over 300 people faced the death penalty—an unprecedented figure for the Kingdom. This year, just by May, 100 executions had already been documented. What does it say about a society that grapples with its sense of justice while simultaneously attempting to project an image of progress?

Experts have begun to speculate about potential reasons behind this spike. “We’ve closely observed numerous foreign nationals’ death-sentence cases over the years,” noted Duaa Dhainy, a researcher with the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights. “Traditionally, drug offenses were largely linked to substances like amphetamines or cocaine. However, we have seen a worrying trend in 2024 where many foreign nationals have been executed for possession of hashish, thus expanding the scope of capital offenses.”

For the family of 27-year-old Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim, this urgent news of resumed executions has plunged them into a state of profound grief. Ibrahim’s older brother, Muleta, holds fast to the belief of his brother’s innocence, recounting a harrowing saga that spans over seven painful years. “He tried to enter the country through Yemen,” Muleta explained. “A border guard misled him into believing that if he claimed to be a drug smuggler, he would face a quick release, given that there was no substantial evidence. My brother trusted that counsel.”

The story of Ibrahim is not just a tale of misfortune; it symbolizes the tumultuous climate of fear and desperation. “He was effectively forced out of Ethiopia,” Muleta describes, referring to the political climate that drove many young people to flee their homes. “After participating in the Oromo protests of 2016, both of us were caught up in a web of governmental oppression.”

What happens when an individual’s aspirations are so ruthlessly snuffed out by the weight of political constraints? Muleta narrates that Ibrahim, following the turbulence of political despair, tried to establish a life for himself in a foreign land. However, upon his arrival in 2018, his liberty was stripped away.

Strikingly, cases like Ibrahim’s often progress through the complex corridors of Saudi Arabia’s judicial system without the essential safeguards most would expect. “The accused frequently lack legal representation,” Dhainy pointed out. “In many instances, there’s absolutely no guarantee that they understand the charges or have a translator.” It’s a chilling reality that speaks volumes about the challenges faced by foreign nationals in a foreign justice system.

Yet, the anguish transcends borders. Muleta lamented, “The recent news has been a nightmare for my family. My parents are struggling to hold on as we grapple with this grim uncertainty. Despite desperate pleas to officials for assistance, we have faced nothing but silence.”

Other inmates at Najiran have also shared that their families have invested years in seeking help from the Ethiopian government, including officials at the embassy in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, this diplomatic outreach has been met with a disappointing lack of action. The Ethiopian Embassy, long criticized for its inadequacies, remains unresponsive to calls for aid.

Meanwhile, in contrast, the Somali government has begun to prioritize the plight of its citizens. Families, along with dedicated media coverage, have catalyzed a dialogue with Saudi authorities regarding clemency for their loved ones. “Our reporting has garnered both national and international attention to the precarious situations faced by nearly 50 Somalis on death row,” noted Dalmar Gure, editor-in-chief of Hiiraan Online. Their advocacy work has spurred discussions about potential prisoner transfers and appeals for mercy.

Yet, the cries for justice continue. Just recently, UN officials expressed concern about the impending executions of 26 Egyptians held in Tabouk prison, marking a broader pattern of alarming behavior regarding drug-related capital offenses in Saudi Arabia. A concerted effort by over 30 human rights organizations has emerged, calling on the crown prince to reconsider the death sentences of numerous Ethiopians, Egyptians, and Somalis.

The stories emerging from Najiran and beyond serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities intertwined with legality, morality, and humanity. As these families navigate the treacherous waters of diplomacy, justice, and hope, we are left wondering—what can we do to amplify their voices and instigate meaningful change?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.