NAJRAN (Dawan Africa) – Saudi authorities have executed four Somali nationals convicted of drug trafficking, according to an official announcement by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) released on August 2, 2025.
The individuals were identified as:
- Mahmoud Ahmed Yusuf Mahmoud
- Abdelqader Mohamed Hussein Babrah
- Walid Abdi Jadeedah Abdulsamad
- Abdi Asad Ahmed Solob
They were found guilty of smuggling hashish into Saudi Arabia and were executed in Najran Province, following a final judicial ruling and a royal order authorizing the implementation of the sentences.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the men were arrested by security forces, tried in a competent court, and had their convictions upheld by both the appeals and Supreme Courts. The ministry stated the executions were carried out under Islamic law, specifically under the ta’zeer provision, which allows discretionary punishment in serious criminal cases.
“The harshest penalties will be applied against traffickers and distributors due to the loss of innocent lives and the grave harm caused to youth and society.” the Ministry said.
The executions took place on Saturday, August 2, 2025 (8 Safar 1447 AH) in Najran.
Saudi Arabia maintains some of the world’s harshest anti-drug laws, including capital punishment for smuggling and trafficking offenses. While Saudi authorities emphasized deterrence, rights groups have expressed growing concern over the scale and opacity of the Kingdom’s executions.
According to Amnesty International, the latest executions reflect a broader trend. In an April 2025 report, the organization documented a sharp rise in executions of foreign nationals for drug-related offenses. Somali nationals are among the most affected groups.
Amnesty stated that at least 44 Somali nationals are believed to be on death row in Saudi Arabia, many facing capital punishment for drug trafficking. The organization previously documented the execution of another Somali man, Mohamed Nur Hussein, on February 16, 2025, also in Najran, for allegedly smuggling hashish.
Human rights advocates have raised concerns about due process, access to legal counsel, and consular notification for foreign nationals facing death sentences in the Kingdom. In this latest case, the Saudi statement did not provide information on whether the four Somali men had legal representation or access to their consulate before their execution.
