RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The Saudi Interior Ministry says authorities have beheaded a man convicted of murder.
The ministry says Hamoud al-Ansi stabbed another man to death during a conflict over a piece of land. His execution took place Tuesday in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran.
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam under which those convicted of murder, drug trafficking, rape or armed robbery are executed in public with a sword.
Tuesday's execution brings to 48 the number of beheadings in the kingdom this year, according to an Associated Press count. Saudi Arabia beheaded 137 people last year, up sharply from the 38 executed in 2006.
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