On behalf of the Agaezi National Union (ANU) – Ancient Ethiopian Civilizational State Political Party, and OTNAA-Worldwide (Swiss and Ethiopia Registered CSO)
Your Excellency,
It is with profound sorrow and deep concern that we have learned of the plight of several young Ethiopians who have become entangled in a complex legal matter within your respected Kingdom.
We, members of the Habesha Agaezi Ethiopian diaspora globally, wish to express our utmost respect for the laws, sovereignty, religious values, and cultural traditions of your noble Kingdom. We do not condone, justify, or encourage any act that violates the laws and regulations of your country. At the same time, with humility and sincerity, we would like to present a few considerations in the hope that they may support an act of mercy and clemency toward these young Habesha Agaezi Ethiopians and Eritreans.
1. Historic and Sacred Ties Between Ethiopia and Arabia
As Your Excellency well knows, the relationship between the peoples of Ethiopia and Arabia dates back to the earliest days of Islam. During the time of Prophet Mohammed, the persecuted early Muslims found refuge in the Kingdom of Habesha Agaezi Aksum under the protection of the righteous Agaezi Ethiopian King Armah, who welcomed them with compassion and justice.
It was in Ethiopia that one of the earliest mosques in Islamic history was established. Furthermore, Bilal ibn Rabah, of Ethiopian heritage, was honored as the first Mu’azzin to call the Adhan in Islam.
These sacred and historic bonds between our peoples have endured for centuries, and it is our heartfelt hope that this unfortunate incident will not diminish the longstanding brotherhood and mutual respect between the two nations.
2. Mercy and Forgiveness in the Holy Quran
The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. Allah reminds believers of the nobility of pardoning others and restraining anger.
Among the verses that inspire our appeal are:
“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you?”
— Surah An-Nur (24:22)
“Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.”
— Surah Ash-Shura (42:40)
“Those who restrain anger and pardon people — and Allah loves the doers of good.”
— Surah Aal-Imran (3:134)
In the spirit of these divine teachings, we respectfully appeal to the mercy and wisdom for which your Kingdom is widely known.
3. Cultural Context Regarding Khat
As your scholars and scientists may acknowledge, khat (ጫት) has traditionally been used in parts of East Africa and the Horn region in social and religious settings, much like strong coffee or tea, particularly during long prayers and communal gatherings of Habesha Agaezi Muslims.
Nevertheless, we fully recognize and respect that the laws of your Kingdom may classify the substance differently, and we unequivocally affirm our respect for your legal framework and sovereign right to enforce it.
Our appeal therefore is not intended to challenge the law, but rather to humbly seek mercy based on humanitarian, historical, and spiritual grounds.
4. Humanitarian Circumstances
Your Excellency, Ethiopia today faces immense hardship. Endless conflicts, widespread poverty, displacement, unemployment, and famine have driven many young people into desperate conditions. Countless youths leave their homeland seeking only the means to support starving families and secure a dignified life.
Many of these young individuals are vulnerable, poorly informed, and driven by desperation rather than criminal intent. They deserve guidance, compassion, and rehabilitation more than irreversible punishment.
In Islamic tradition, helping the poor and vulnerable through zakat and mercy is among the highest virtues. We therefore humbly submit that these youths, though mistaken, are more in need of compassion than condemnation.
Final Appeal
In light of the longstanding historic ties between our peoples, the merciful teachings of Islam, and the grave humanitarian realities facing Ethiopian youth today, we earnestly beseech your esteemed government, in the name of Almighty Allah and the noble Prophet Mohammed, to grant clemency and a full pardon to the Ethiopians currently facing severe punishment.
Should a full pardon not be possible, we respectfully appeal for mitigation of their sentences to imprisonment or financial penalties. We stand ready, together with diaspora communities and humanitarian organizations worldwide, to mobilize the necessary support and assistance.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest respect and sincere prayers for the continued peace, prosperity, and wisdom of your noble Kingdom.
Yours very truly and respectfully,
Agaezi National Union (ANU)
Ancient Ethiopian Civilizational State Political Party
OTNAA-Worldwide
Swiss and Ethiopia Registered Civil Society Organization (CSO)
www.anu-party.orgPlea for Mercy to the Habesha Agaezi Ethiopians on Death Row in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
