Saudi Arabia executes Pakistani for smuggling drugs

RIYADH, May 21 (Reuters) Saudi Arabia today executed a Pakistani for smuggling drugs into the conservative Muslim country.

Amin-Allah Khan Wali was executed in the eastern city of Dammam after he was found guilty of attempting to smuggle an unspecified quantity of heroin stashed in his stomach, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.

The execution brings to at least 68 the number of people put to death in the country this year.

The sentences, usually carried out by public beheading, apply to those convicted of drug trafficking, rape, murder and other violent crimes.

Human rights groups say the punishment is draconian and reflects old customs. Saudi Arabia, which beheaded 38 people last year and 83 people in 2005, says it is strictly following the rules of Islamic law.

REUTERS SKB HS1729