Saudi Arabia executed five citizens in its Eastern Province on Oct. 17 after their terrorism sentences became final, the Interior Ministry said, citing gunfire at security forces and support for terrorist operations.
The sentences became final after an appeal and Supreme Court confirmation, according to the ministry. A royal order then authorized the executions. The ministry said the court imposed death sentences under tazir. In Islamic law, tazir allows judges to set penalties for offenses without a fixed punishment.
The ministry identified the men as Ali Al Rabih, Hassan Al Faraj, Mohammed Al Zaher, Reda Al Abu Abdullah and Ali Al Sheikh. All five were Saudi citizens.
According to the ministry, the court convicted the men of joining a foreign terrorist organization and repeatedly shooting at security personnel and vehicles with intent to kill. The convictions also involved possession of weapons and live ammunition, and support to finance and carry out terrorist operations inside the kingdom.
The ministry framed the executions as an effort to uphold security and justice and enforce Islamic law.
