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Egyptian Man Executed in Saudi Arabia Amid Controversy

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Essam al-Shazly, a 28-year-old Egyptian, was executed in Saudi Arabia after being accused of drug trafficking.
His mother, his only contact on death row, says he was coerced into smuggling and that the sentence was unjust.
Al-Shazly suffered severe depression and was hospitalized for refusing to eat in prison.
He was executed without his mother being informed, while rights groups note only six inmates remain alive in the 'death wing'.

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Story summary

Essam al-Shazly, a 28-year-old Egyptian, was executed in Saudi Arabia after being accused of drug trafficking.
His mother, his only contact on death row, says he was coerced into smuggling and that the sentence was unjust.
Al-Shazly suffered severe depression and was hospitalized for refusing to eat in prison.
He was executed without his mother being informed, while rights groups note only six inmates remain alive in the 'death wing'.