Saudi Arabia executes man for murder

RIYADH, Mar 3 (Reuters) Saudi Arabia today executed a man convicted of murder, raising to at least 19 the number of people put to death this year.

Miftah bin Hilal al-Fahmi was executed in the province of Mecca after being convicted of shooting and killing Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Fahmi after a dispute, an Interior Ministry statement carried by state media said.

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

REUTERS SP PM1656