Key facts
- Hundreds of Ethiopian prisoners are on death row in Saudi Arabia.
- The prisoners face execution for drug-related offenses.
- Many are held at the Khamis Mushait detention facility.
- Detainees claim unfair trials.
- Detainees claim forced confessions.
- At least 63 Ethiopians are held in one ward at Khamis Mushait.
Hundreds of Ethiopian prisoners are currently on death row in Saudi Arabia, facing execution for drug-related offenses. The majority of these individuals are reportedly held at the Khamis Mushait detention facility. Many of the detained Ethiopians assert that they did not receive fair trials and that their confessions were coerced. These claims suggest potential human rights concerns within the Saudi justice system concerning foreign nationals. Reports indicate that at least 63 Ethiopians are being held in a single ward within the Khamis Mushait facility, underscoring the significant number of individuals facing this severe penalty. The situation highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia's legal system, particularly concerning drug offenses which carry strict penalties.