The Harrowing Stories of Ethiopian Prisoners in Saudi Arabia

In a chilling account, several Ethiopian inmates managed to contact the BBC from death row in a Saudi prison, sharing their desperate tales. Their stories reveal a narrative marked by longing for a better life and the harsh realities of imprisonment. This article explores the plight of Habtom, a young Ethiopian detained for over three years, and highlights the grim circumstances facing a growing number of Ethiopian prisoners in Saudi Arabia.

The Desperate Call from Death Row

Habtom, whose name has been altered to protect his identity, was desperate when he reached out to the BBC from his cell. Situated in the southern city of Jamis Mushait, he used a phone within the prison to plead for help. Amidst the tumult of anguished voices from fellow inmates, he expressed his frustration at the apparent indifference of his government towards his fate. Like many of his compatriots, Habtom fled war and poverty, hoping for a brighter future. Instead, he found himself facing execution for drug-related offenses, a fate shared by numerous Ethiopians imprisoned in Saudi Arabia.

The Rising Number of Executions

This year alone, 17 Ethiopians have been executed, representing the highest number of non-Saudis to face capital punishment. Tragically, five of these executions occurred on July 27. The swift rise in such sentences has sparked concern globally, particularly as many Ethiopians continue to escape the aftermath of a brutal civil war that concluded in late 2022 in Tigray. Experts speculate that the increasing use of the death penalty for drug offenses in Saudi Arabia may be contributing to this alarming trend.

Sparse Transparency in the Judicial Process

Habtom and others interviewed revealed that the judicial process in Saudi Arabia is deeply flawed. Many defendants, including Habtom himself, were found guilty of hashish trafficking, a charge that can result in the death penalty at the judge’s discretion. Human rights organizations have condemned the lack of due process, as accused individuals often have no access to legal counsel, and translation services provided during hearings can fall short. Even if there is a right to appeal, the absence of legal representation makes it nearly impossible to mount a challenge against the sentencing decision.

“There is a near-total lack of transparency throughout the judicial process,” noted Dana Ahmed from Amnesty International. She explained that once a sentence is confirmed, appeals are rarely filed without legal support, leading to automatic confirmations of death sentences.

Life Behind Bars

Habtom recounted his tragic journey. Although he occasionally manages to connect with family through a wall-mounted phone, he’s hesitant to share his dire circumstances. “I’d rather they hear it after I’m gone than now,” he stated amid fragile hope. His aspirations—completing school and supporting his parents—were shattered by the conflict, driving him to seek a precarious life abroad.

Conditions Inside the Prison

The prison experience has proven to be harrowing. In overcrowded facilities, Habtom and others faced dire conditions. One inmate, Desta, shared his grim reality, describing his cell as home to 200 men, although it was intended for only 90. “The stress from the threat of execution, combined with overcrowding, makes us vulnerable to sickness and anxiety,” he conveyed.

International Advocacy and Limited Response

Calls for justice and intervention from international human rights groups have intensified. Following several executions, notable Ethiopian figures have urged their government to engage with Saudi authorities. Amnesty International has pressed for an immediate halt to the executions of Ethiopian migrants and called for compliance with international legal standards.

Despite these growing concerns, the Ethiopian authorities’ responses have been rather subdued. While discussions took place between Ethiopian and Saudi officials regarding the safety of Ethiopian nationals, tangible outcomes have yet to emerge. Prisoners reported minimal time to communicate their distress to visiting Ethiopian diplomats, sometimes leaving them feeling unheard and neglected.

Conclusion

The stories of Ethiopian prisoners in Saudi Arabia reveal a multifaceted crisis filled with desperation, wrongful accusations, and severe injustices. As international scrutiny grows, the plight of these individuals demands urgent attention and action.

• Many Ethiopian prisoners are facing execution for drug-related offenses in Saudi Arabia.
• Flawed judicial procedures often deny defendants their rights to legal representation.
• Desperate conditions in overcrowded prisons contribute to inmates’ suffering.
• Calls for intervention are growing, but effective diplomatic responses remain limited.