The Somali government seeks to abolish death sentences against its citizens in Saudi Arabia

 Somalia seeks to abolish death sentences against its citizens in Saudi Arabia

The Somali federal government seeks to overturn the death sentences issued against about 40 Somali citizens currently imprisoned in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of its efforts to ensure the legal protection of its citizens abroad.

The Somali Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moalim, stated on Friday that he discussed this file with the Saudi ambassador to Somalia. The talks focused on stopping the implementation of death sentences and enhancing judicial cooperation between the two countries.

The minister also proposed signing an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Justice to exchange prisoners, allowing convicted Somali citizens to serve their sentences in Somalia.

These diplomatic moves come after the execution of Somali citizen Mohamed Nur Hussein, who was killed by beheading in February 2025 on charges of drug smuggling.

Following this, families of Somali prisoners sentenced to death organized protests in Mogadishu, demanding the Somali government to intervene to protect their families.