Saudi Arabia executes Ethiopians on drug charges: at least 17 nationals killed since 2026

• Saudi authorities executed five Ethiopian migrants for non-lethal drug-related offenses.
• At least 17 Ethiopian nationals have been executed on drug charges since the start of 2026.
• At least 79 more Ethiopian nationals face imminent risk of execution under similar charges.
• Human Rights Watch has expressed concern about arbitrary and discriminatory treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

The executions are part of a broader trend of increased enforcement of Saudi Arabia's strict anti-narcotics laws, which have led to a significant number of migrant workers facing death sentences for minor offenses.

Saudi authorities have executed five Ethiopian migrants for non-lethal drug-related offenses, bringing the total number of Ethiopian nationals executed on drug charges to at least 17 since the start of 2026. The executions are part of a broader trend of increased enforcement of Saudi Arabia's strict anti-narcotics laws, which have led to a significant number of migrant workers facing death sentences for minor offenses.

The five Ethiopians were among dozens of migrants who had been arrested and charged with drug-related crimes in recent months. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern that the executions are part of a pattern of arbitrary and discriminatory treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

The execution of Ethiopian migrants for non-lethal drug-related offenses raises serious concerns about Saudi Arabia's compliance with international human rights law. The country is not a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life and ensures that individuals are not subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

However, Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its inconsistent application of these standards, particularly with regards to migrant workers. The country's strict anti-narcotics laws have led to numerous cases of arbitrary detention and execution of migrants who were found in possession of small amounts of drugs.

The executions highlight the heightened risk of execution for Ethiopian nationals facing drug-related charges in Saudi Arabia. Lawyers advising clients with family members or business interests in the country should be aware of this risk and advise their clients to exercise caution when interacting with Saudi authorities.

In addition, the case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in Saudi Arabia's justice system, particularly with regards to the treatment of migrant workers.

Lawyers advising Ethiopian clients with family members or business interests in Saudi Arabia should be aware of the heightened risk of execution for drug-related offenses and advise their clients to exercise caution when interacting with Saudi authorities.

Source: Original reporting via Human Rights Watch