Riyadh: As reported by two newspapers, Saudi Arabia plans to execute more than 50 people convicted of terrorism, in what could be a warning to would be jihadis.
Fifty-five people were awaiting execution for “terrorist crimes” that killed more than 100 civilians and 71 security personnel, the newspaper reported, without specifying when the executions will take place. Some of those facing execution were affiliated with al-Qaida, the report said. Others are from Awamiya, a largely Shia town in the oil-producing Eastern Province where the government has suppressed demonstrations for equal rights. Diplomats in Riyadh say their governments have been assured by Saudi Arabia that they will not execute Shias convicted after protests. Awamiya residents responded to the news by closing off roads leading into the city with burning debris, activists said.
The alleged al-Qaida militants stand accused of attempts to overthrow the government and carry out attacks using small weapons, explosives and surface-to-air missiles. One prisoner was accused of trying to buy nuclear material in Yemen worth $1.5 million for use inside Saudi Arabia. The charges against the Awamiya residents include sedition, attacks on security officials and interference in neighbouring Bahrain, which has also experienced unrest since 2011.
Saudi Arabia has already executed over 150 people this year, most of them beheaded in public, rights group Amnesty International said this month.
