Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants on 27 July 2026 for non-lethal drug-related offences following proceedings that lacked due process. The rights group says at least 17 Ethiopian nationals have been executed on similar charges since the start of the year, while at least 79 others remain at imminent risk of execution.

HRW has called on governments to urgently pressure Saudi authorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to halt the executions and commute the sentences of those facing the death penalty. 

Unathi Batyashe spoke to Joey Shea, senior Saudi Arabia researcher at HRW.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Saudi Arabia executed five Ethiopian migrants on 27 July 2026 for non-lethal drug-related offences following proceedings that lacked due process.&nbsp;The rights group says at least 17 Ethiopian nationals have been executed on similar charges since the start of the year, while at least 79 others remain at imminent risk of execution.
HRW has called on governments to urgently pressure Saudi authorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to halt the executions and commute the sentences of those facing the death penalty.&nbsp;
Unathi Batyashe spoke to Joey Shea, senior Saudi Arabia researcher at HRW.

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