Saudi Arabia says it has executed two Bangladeshi nationals for committing a sexual act inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
Announcing the executions in a statement on Wednesday, the Saudi ministry of interior identified the offenders as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, a woman.
The ministry said security authorities arrested the duo following the incident and charged them after an investigation.
According to the statement, a competent court found both individuals guilty and sentenced them to death as a discretionary punishment known as “Ta’zir”, citing the gravity of their actions and the violation of the mosque’s sanctity.
The ministry said 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.
It added that the executions took place in the Makkah region on Wednesday.
The ministry said the executions emphasised 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 punishments prescribed by Islamic law.