Saudi Arabia has executed five Ethiopian nationals convicted on drug-related charges, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), which alleges the defendants were denied fair trial rights.
In a statement released on Tuesday, HRW said the five Ethiopians were convicted of possessing hashish and were sentenced to death after court proceedings that reportedly lasted only a few minutes, without access to legal representation or interpreters.
The rights organization also warned that at least 79 other Ethiopian nationals remain at risk of execution on similar drug-related charges in the kingdom.
HRW criticized the judicial process, claiming that many Ethiopian migrant workers facing capital punishment did not receive fair hearings. The organization urged Saudi authorities to halt the executions and review the cases in line with international human rights standards.
Saudi Arabia has not officially responded to the allegations. The country maintains some of the world's toughest anti-drug laws, with the death penalty applicable for certain narcotics offences.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is engaging Saudi authorities over the welfare of Ethiopian citizens facing legal proceedings in the kingdom, but did not confirm whether those sentenced to death were among the cases under discussion.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the countries that frequently applies capital punishment for serious crimes, including some drug-related offences.
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