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Protesters call on Somali government to intervene and halt executions
Families of Somali nationals facing execution in Saudi Arabia staged a protest in Mogadishu on Wednesday, calling on the Somali government to intervene on behalf of their imprisoned relatives. Protesters claim that 45 Somali citizens are currently on death row in Saudi prisons and are urging authorities to negotiate to stop the executions and secure legal representation for the detainees.
One of the demonstrators directly addressed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, making an emotional plea: “Mr. President, please release our sons. They are being unjustly held.” Many protesters voiced their frustration over the lack of communication and legal aid for the detainees.
“We have had no contact with our children in prison. They have not received legal assistance or support. They did not commit the crimes they are accused of,” said Mohamud Ahmed, a protester.
The demonstration follows the recent execution of Somali national Mohamed Nur Hussein Ja’al by Saudi authorities. Convicted of drug smuggling, Hussein was beheaded under Saudi legal procedures. He had been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle hashish into Saudi Arabia. Before his arrest, Hussein had lived in Yemen for over a decade before relocating to Saudi Arabia, where he was later detained.
During his imprisonment, Hussein stayed in regular contact with his family, reassuring them of his eventual release. However, his relatives argue that his execution was unjust, claiming he was denied a fair trial, had minimal access to legal counsel, and was not given the opportunity to appeal his sentence.
Somali Consul Ahmed Mahmoud Diriye (Macaruuf) informed the BBC that between 45 and 50 Somali detainees have been identified in Saudi prisons, most of whom were arrested near the Saudi-Yemen border. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about these arrests, suggesting that many detainees may have been coerced or tricked into smuggling drugs under false job offers or duress.
The families of those sentenced to death are now urging the Somali government to take immediate diplomatic action to halt further executions and push for fair legal proceedings. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that detainees receive adequate legal representation and due process under international legal standards.
This protest underscores growing concerns about the treatment of Somali nationals in Saudi custody and the urgent need for government intervention to protect their rights. Families hope diplomatic efforts and international pressure will lead to a case review and prevent further executions. Meanwhile, human rights groups continue to advocate for greater transparency and fairness in Saudi Arabia’s legal system for foreign nationals.