It was the largest mass execution in Saudi Arabia since early 2016, when 47 people were put to death, also on terror-related charges. Saudi Arabia generally beheads prisoners condemned to death, in ceremonies performed by executioners using a sword — a punishment in line with the kingdom’s strict interpretation of Islamic law. The beheadings also occurred at a moment of spiking tensions between Saudi Arabia and its principal rival, the Shiite-led government of Iran. Almost immediately, Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations with Tehran. Saudi Arabia is among the countries that apply the death penalty most frequently, according to human rights groups.

Source: Washington Post April 23, 2019 20:48 UTC