News Alert

Saudi Arabia Executes Over 100 Foreign Nationals, Including Seven Ethiopians

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Saudi Arabia's execution of over 100 foreign nationals in 2024, including seven Ethiopians, has sparked concern. The surge, primarily for drug-related offenses, represents a significant increase compared to previous years, reaching a total of 274 executions in 2024 according to AFP. This follows reports of human rights abuses, including allegations of crimes against humanity at the Yemen-Saudi border. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Saudi Arabian forces of committing crimes against humanity in the killings of hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers at the Yemen-Saudi border. The report details numerous instances of extrajudicial killings, and HRW states that the scale and nature of the violence suggest a deliberate and widespread attack against a civilian population. The organization also highlighted ongoing human rights abuses within the Kingdom, including the arbitrary detention and sentencing of dissidents and activists based on social media posts, pervasive torture in detention centers, and a lack of accountability for Saudi Arabia's role in the Yemeni conflict.