Thousands of Ethiopian migrants, who have been expelled from Yemen after the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak, have been arrested and arbitrarily detained in “hellish” conditions in Saudi Arabian prisons. This briefing exposes the lack of access to adequate food, water, healthcare, accommodation and sanitation. Some detainees have been subjected to torture or other ill-treatment. Pregnant women, babies and small children are among those being held in appalling conditions which are putting their lives at risk. Amnesty International is calling on Saudi Arabia to immediately release Ethiopian migrants, end torture or other ill-treatment against them and ensure that detention conditions meet international standards.
