Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Saudi Arabia has executed five Ethiopian nationals convicted of participating in the smuggling of hashish into the kingdom, following the conclusion of their judicial proceedings, the country’s Interior Ministry announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
The executions were carried out in the Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia, marking another reported case involving Ethiopian nationals sentenced to death over drug-related offences in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Saudi Interior Ministry identified the five executed individuals as Ethiopian citizens convicted of jointly smuggling hashish, a cannabis-derived drug, into Saudi Arabia.
The ministry said the executions followed investigations, prosecution and final court decisions that upheld the death sentences against the defendants.
The announcement adds to growing attention surrounding Saudi Arabia’s continued use of capital punishment for drug-related offences, particularly cases involving foreign nationals.
Five Ethiopian Nationals Executed in Asir Region
According to the Interior Ministry, the five individuals were identified as:
- Siqaw Asai Barato Tsfai
- Kenfe Tekhlay Hadosh Fawadu
- Mekile Merhan Qarzqir Qabra
- Desta Qabra Kiros Ambaya
- Mahari Qabra Hawariyah Heila Heilasa
The ministry said all five were Ethiopian nationals found guilty of participating in the smuggling of hashish into the kingdom.
Saudi security authorities reportedly arrested the individuals following investigations into the alleged drug-smuggling operation.
The ministry stated that the investigation resulted in criminal charges being filed against them before they were referred to the competent court for trial.
According to the official account, the court found them guilty and imposed the death penalty as a discretionary punishment under the kingdom’s legal system.
The verdict subsequently became final after the appeals process and confirmation by the Supreme Court.
A royal order was then issued authorising the implementation of the sentences.
The executions were carried out on Thursday, November 5, in the Asir region, according to the ministry’s announcement. عاجل +2
Saudi Arabia Defends Execution Policy Against Drug Trafficking
Following the executions, Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry reiterated the government’s position that severe punishment is necessary to protect citizens and residents from the consequences of illegal drugs.
The ministry said drug trafficking and distribution pose serious threats to individuals and society, particularly because of their potential effects on public safety and young people.
It also warned that individuals involved in drug smuggling and distribution would face the penalties prescribed under Saudi law.
Saudi Arabia maintains strict drug-control laws, with capital punishment applicable to certain drug-smuggling offences.
The kingdom has repeatedly announced executions involving individuals convicted of trafficking narcotics, including foreign nationals.
The latest case demonstrates the continued enforcement of these laws despite international criticism of the use of the death penalty for non-lethal drug offences.
A Pattern of Executions Involving Ethiopian Nationals
The latest executions come amid a series of similar cases involving Ethiopian nationals in Saudi Arabia during 2026.
On June 23, Saudi authorities announced the execution of five Ethiopian nationals in the Asir region after convicting them of participating in hashish smuggling.
The announcement was followed by another execution involving five Ethiopian nationals on July 27, which attracted international attention after Human Rights Watch raised concerns about the legal proceedings surrounding the case.
In October, Saudi authorities also announced the execution of three Ethiopian nationals in the Asir region over similar hashish-smuggling convictions.
The November 5 announcement therefore represents another group execution involving Ethiopian nationals convicted of drug-related offences in the kingdom. عاجل +2
These developments have brought renewed attention to the position of Ethiopian migrants working or travelling through the Gulf region, particularly those who become involved in criminal proceedings.
Saudi Arabia remains an important destination for migrant workers from several African and Asian countries. However, foreign nationals convicted of serious offences are subject to the kingdom’s criminal justice system and applicable penalties.
Human Rights Concerns Over Drug-Related Executions
Saudi Arabia’s use of capital punishment for drug-related offences has faced criticism from international human rights organisations.
In a statement published on July 28, 2026, Human Rights Watch criticised the execution of five Ethiopian migrants the previous day, raising concerns about the fairness of their trials.
The organisation said information gathered from sources familiar with those cases indicated that some proceedings were extremely brief and that defendants faced difficulties accessing legal representation and adequate interpretation services.
Human Rights Watch also reported that at least 79 other Ethiopians were at imminent risk of execution over similar drug-related charges at the time of its July statement.
The organisation cited figures from the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights, which reported that Saudi Arabia had executed at least 116 people by July 27, 2026.
Human Rights Watch argued that imposing the death penalty for non-lethal drug offences violates international human rights standards, which restrict the use of capital punishment to the most serious crimes. Human Rights Watch +1
However, those concerns relate to cases examined by the organisation before the latest November 5 announcement.
There is currently no independently verified information in the available reporting establishing whether the five individuals executed on Thursday experienced the same procedural circumstances described in Human Rights Watch’s earlier investigations.
The Saudi Interior Ministry, in its announcement concerning the latest executions, maintained that the defendants had been investigated, prosecuted, convicted, given an opportunity to appeal and had their sentences confirmed by the Supreme Court.
Ethiopia’s Migrant Community and the Wider Implications
The repeated executions have raised wider questions about the vulnerability of Ethiopian nationals facing criminal proceedings abroad.
Ethiopia is among the African countries whose citizens migrate to the Gulf region in search of employment and better economic opportunities.
For families with relatives working or living in Saudi Arabia, the continued announcements of executions involving Ethiopian nationals have become a source of concern.
The cases also highlight the importance of consular assistance, access to legal representation and effective communication between countries when their citizens face serious criminal charges overseas.
Governments have a responsibility to provide appropriate consular support to nationals facing prosecution abroad, while host countries retain responsibility for administering their domestic justice systems.
In July, Human Rights Watch reported that Ethiopia’s Foreign Ministry was engaging with Saudi authorities over Ethiopian nationals facing legal and judicial measures in the kingdom. The organisation also reported appeals from religious leaders for executions to stop. AP News +1
The latest announcement is likely to renew attention on the issue of migrant protection and the diplomatic responsibilities of countries whose citizens face capital punishment overseas.
What Happens Next?
The Saudi Interior Ministry has announced that the five death sentences have been carried out following the completion of the judicial process described in its statement.
No further legal proceedings concerning the five individuals are indicated in the announcement.
Attention is now likely to remain on the broader situation of Ethiopian nationals facing drug-related charges in Saudi Arabia and the responses of Ethiopian authorities and international human rights organisations.
The latest executions also place renewed focus on the international debate over capital punishment, particularly its application to drug-related offences that do not involve intentional killing.
For Ethiopia, the developments raise continuing questions about protecting citizens abroad and ensuring that nationals facing serious criminal charges have access to appropriate legal and consular assistance.
For Saudi Arabia, the executions reflect its continued determination to enforce strict penalties against drug trafficking, despite sustained criticism from international human rights organisations.
The broader debate over drug enforcement, judicial safeguards and the use of capital punishment is therefore likely to continue.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Saudi Ministry of Interior – Official execution announcement, November 5, 2026, as reported by Ajel News.
- Human Rights Watch – Saudi Arabia: New Executions of Ethiopian Migrants, July 28, 2026. Human Rights Watch
- Associated Press – Saudi Arabia executes 5 Ethiopians over drug-related charges, rights group says, July 2026. AP News
- Ajel News – Three Ethiopians executed in Asir for smuggling hashish into Saudi Arabia, October 2026. Ajel English
- Ajel News – Previous execution announcement involving five Ethiopian nationals, June 23, 2026.
