Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals convicted of committing a sexual act inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca, the kingdom’s interior ministry said.
The ministry identified the pair as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. Security authorities arrested them following the incident, conducted an investigation and filed charges, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
A competent court found both guilty and sentenced them to death under ta’zir, a form of discretionary punishment under Islamic law. The court cited the gravity of their actions and the violation of the mosque’s sanctity.
The judgment was upheld by the relevant judicial authority before a royal order was issued for the sentences to be carried out in accordance with Islamic law. The executions took place in the Makkah region on Wednesday.
The ministry said the executions underscored the Saudi government’s commitment to maintaining security, upholding justice and enforcing Islamic law against those who violate the sanctity of mosques and the dignity of others.
It also warned that anyone who commits similar acts would face the punishments prescribed by Islamic law.
