Saudi executes two Iraqis for drug smuggling

Riyadh, Feb 7: Saudi Arabia executed two Iraqis on Wednesday for drug smuggling, raising to nine the number of death sentences implemented this year.

A statement reported by the official Saudi Press Agency said Jabbar Abu-Alya and Ali Mishalani were put to death in the town of Rafha near the Iraqi border.

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