RIYADH: Saudi authorities have executed a Pakistani national convicted of heroin smuggling in Makkah, according to the Saudi Ministry of Interior.
The ministry said security officials investigated the case before it was referred to court. After the conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court and a royal order issued, the sentence was carried out. The ministry said it would continue to impose strict penalties for drug trafficking.
Separately, Pakistani Umrah pilgrims were involved in a traffic accident while travelling from Makkah to Madinah. Saudi media reported that a father and his two sons died.
Two Bangladeshi Nationals Executed
Saudi authorities also executed two Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, after they were convicted in a case involving an alleged immoral act, the Ministry of Interior said. The ministry said the pair were arrested, investigated and tried in court before their sentences were carried out.
Sri Lankan Man’s Death Sentence Overturned
In a separate case, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa over a social media post. Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister said an appeal had been filed and credited the decision to sustained diplomatic and legal efforts. The case has been referred back for a fresh hearing, according to reports. [The Hindu](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/saudi-supreme-court-sets-aside-sri-lankan-migrant-workersdeath-penalty/article71582739.ece)
