Saudi Arabia: Execution of two Ethiopian citizens convicted of “smuggling narcotic substances” in Asir

- The Saudi authorities carried out a discretionary death sentence against two Ethiopian citizens, on Wednesday, in the Asir region, southwest of the Kingdom. The Saudi Ministry of Interior said, in a statement reported by the Saudi News Agency (SPA), that the implementation of the punishment came after they were convicted of “participating in smuggling amphetamine tablets and the narcotic hashish into the Kingdom.”

The statement indicated that the security authorities arrested “Mabharatwa Saqai Sadiq Arha and Zanbo Saqai Asbha Qassaswa (Ethiopian nationals)” and referred them to the competent court. The statement stated, “A ruling was issued against them confirming what was attributed to them and killing them as a punishment. The ruling became final after it was appealed and then upheld by the Supreme Court, and a royal order was issued to enforce what was decided by Sharia law.”

The death penalty was carried out on Wednesday...