The recent execution of Somali national Mohamed Nur Hussein in Saudi Arabia has drawn significant attention and concern.
Hussein was executed on February 17, 2025, in the southern city of Najran for allegedly smuggling hashish into the kingdom, with authorities employing their customary method of beheading.
Hussein’s family, particularly his sister, has condemned the ruling as unjust. Somali officials are reportedly struggling to halt further executions of their nationals in Saudi Arabia.
This incident highlights the broader issue of Saudi Arabia’s extensive use of the death penalty, often for drug-related offenses.
In 2024, the kingdom executed at least 200 individuals in the first nine months alone, surpassing the number of executions in any full year over the past three decades.
Human rights organizations have criticized this trend, accusing Saudi Arabia of using the death penalty as a political weapon and expressing concern over the fairness of trials and the treatment of detainees.
The Somali government’s efforts to intervene in such cases have faced challenges, as diplomatic relations and legal processes in Saudi Arabia often limit external influence.
This situation underscores the difficulties that countries encounter when advocating for their citizens abroad, especially in nations with strict legal systems and high execution rates.
The international community continues to monitor these developments, urging Saudi Arabia to adhere to international human rights standards and to ensure fair trials for all individuals, regardless of nationality.