Saudi Arabia Executes Somali National for Alleged Drug Smuggling

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia executed a Somali national, Mohamed Nur Hussein, on Sunday in the southern city of Najran for smuggling hashish into the kingdom, authorities said, using the country's customary method of beheading.

Hussein's family expressed outrage, alleging he was denied a fair trial, legal representation, and the chance to appeal, branding the execution as unjust. So far, Saudi officials have not responded to the allegations. 

Saudi Arabia operates one of the world's strictest judicial systems, particularly for drug trafficking, murder, and terrorism offenses. The interior ministry said the execution was intended as a firm warning against such crimes.

The execution has raised concerns among the Somali community in Saudi Arabia, where more than 50 nationals are currently imprisoned, mostly on drug-related charges.

Somalia's embassy in Riyadh has repeatedly urged Saudi authorities to exercise leniency, advocating for death sentences to be commuted to prison terms. Families of those detained have pressed the Somali government to intensify efforts to prevent further executions.

GAROWE ONLINE