Saudi executes 3 men over drugs, robbery, murder

RIYADH, Jan 31 (Reuters) Saudi Arabia today executed two Saudis and a Pakistani man for drug smuggling, armed robbery and murder, local media reported.

A statement on state news agency SPA said Pakistani Khan Zadeh Abdelqayyoum was put to death in Riyadh after being found guilty of trying to conceal heroin in his stomach.

Saudi nationals Salama al-Khelwi and Samir al-Muteiri were put to death in Medina for a series of bank and highway robberies, according to a separate statement carried by SPA.

khelwi was also found guilty of murdering an Egyptian resident.

The executions brought to at least eight the number of executions in the conservative kingdom so far this year.

Saudi Arabia follows strict Islamic law and executions are usually carried out by public beheading with a sword.

Convicted murderers, rapists and drug traffickers are liable for the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, which executed 34 people in 2006, 36 in 2005 and 86 in 2004.

REUTERS BDP BST1500