Saudi executes three soldiers for ‘high treason’

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has announced the execution of three soldiers convicted of high treason, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The three soldiers, identified as Muhammad bin Ahmed bin Yahya Akam, Shaher bin Isa bin Qasim Haqawi, and Hamoud bin Ibrahim bin Ali Hazmi, were working in the Defence Ministry.

They were “convicted of high treason following an investigation which uncovered their collaboration with the enemy over plots against Saudi Arabia’s military interests, security and stability”, the report said.

The accused had been referred to a “specialised court with all judicial guarantees essential for fair trial, the rule of law and the proper administration of justice”, it added.

Based on the evidence submitted, the court found them guilty of treason, and in line with the relevant laws, the ministry said that the three soldiers had been sentenced to death.

A royal decree was also issued upholding the court’s ruling.

The ministry said that the three soldiers were executed on Saturday in the Southern Region Military Command.

The ministry “denounced the heinous crime”, but voiced trust in the loyalty of the Armed Forces’ personnel, the report added.