




According to the sources, the limited number of executioners by the sword was a major reason for the decision.

“They are not readily available everywhere and on some occasions, executions were marred by confusion as the executioner was late in showing up at the designated public place, causing confusion and sparking speculation and rumours,” the sources said.

Cases where a firing squad was used to carry out a capital execution included a woman who was found guilty of murdering her husband and hiding his body.

The woman was executed at the women’s prison in the northern city of Hael.

Her daughter, an accomplice in the murder, was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

Offences that could result in the death penalty in Saudi Arabia include murder, rape, armed robbery, repeated drug use, apostasy, false prophecy, witchcraft and sorcery.

According to reports, 15 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia this year.