Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Amnesty International
Adigrat (Fides News Agency) – "As the Shepherd of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, I lift my voice not only as a religious leader, but as a witness to the profound value of every human soul, created in the image and likeness of the Almighty." This is the heartfelt appeal that the Bishop of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, Tesfaselassie Medhin, addresses to all international humanitarian organizations and agencies responsible for safeguarding human dignity, for two hundred Ethiopians currently facing the death sentence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"Our faith teaches us that life is a gift from the Creator: sacred, inviolable, and deserving of protection from conception until its natural end," reads the note sent to Fides by the eparch. "While we respect the sovereignty of nations and the necessity of upholding the rule of law, we believe that justice is most powerful when it is tempered by mercy. The execution of these 200 individuals would represent an irreparable loss of life and an agonizing blow to the families left behind in Ethiopia, many of whom already endure the hardships of poverty and displacement."
We cannot remain silent while the lives of so many hang in the balance. We earnestly petition your esteemed organizations to engage in urgent, high-level dialogue with the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to seek a stay of execution and a commutation of these death sentences. Ensure that each of these individuals has been afforded the fullness of due process, including adequate legal representation and an understanding of the proceedings against them. Promote alternatives to capital punishment that allow for rehabilitation, repentance, and the possibility of redemption.”
“The cry of the poor and the marginalized must reach the ears of the international community,” Medhin emphasizes. “These 200 Ethiopians are not merely a number; they are children, parents, and siblings. Their lives have intrinsic worth that transcends any transgression. We pray that the hearts of those in power may be moved by the spirit of compassion. Together, let us work to ensure that the ‘culture of death’ is replaced by a ‘civilization of love’ and mercy. In this season of trial, we remain steadfast in our hope and our commitment to the sanctity of life.”
Many of the Ethiopians at risk are refugees who fled during the conflict in Tigray (2020-2022). On April 21, 2026, three Ethiopian migrants were executed in Saudi Arabia. Dozens of others are on death row in Khamis Mushait. The Eparch of Adigrat concludes his appeal by calling for immediate and decisive action in this grave matter. (AP) (Fides News Agency, 5/5/2026)
