Dozens of Ethiopians on Death Row in Saudi Arabia Speak to BBC

Dozens of Ethiopian nationals awaiting execution in Saudi Arabia have reached out to the BBC, each hoping their story might prompt intervention that could save their lives. The testimonies paint a picture of a vulnerable migrant population caught in a justice system they often cannot navigate without language support or legal representation.

Migrants on Death Row

The Ethiopians in question are predominantly economic migrants who came to Saudi Arabia in search of employment. Many say they were convicted of crimes they deny committing, or that their cases involved severe procedural shortcomings including lack of interpreters and inadequate legal counsel.

Human rights groups have long raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers within the Saudi justice system, noting that foreign nationals often face execution without adequate access to consular assistance or a fair trial by internationally recognised standards.

International Pressure

Ethiopia has urged Saudi authorities to review the cases and spare the lives of its citizens. International human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called for a moratorium on executions pending thorough review of each individual case. Saudi Arabia has not publicly responded to the specific cases highlighted by the BBC.