Saudi Arabia has executed two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, a woman, over a reported sexual act inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior announced the executions in a statement on Wednesday, saying security authorities arrested the pair after the incident and charged them following an investigation.
According to the ministry, a competent court found both individuals guilty and sentenced them to death under “Ta’zir,” a form of discretionary punishment. The court cited the seriousness of their actions and the violation of the mosque’s sanctity.
The ministry said the relevant judicial authority upheld the judgment before a royal order authorised the executions in line with Islamic law.
The sentences were carried out in the Makkah region on Wednesday.
The Saudi government said the executions reflected its commitment to maintaining security, upholding justice and enforcing Islamic law against people who violate the sanctity of mosques and the dignity of others.
The ministry also issued a warning to the public, stating that anyone who commits similar acts would face punishments prescribed by Islamic law.
