Indian beheaded by Saudis

Abu Bakr8217;s execution raises to 26 the number of people beheaded this year in Saudi Arabia. Last year, 71 people were executed.

Saudi Arabia, a conservative muslim country, is cracking down on smugglers to deal with what it sees as a growing drug problem. The Ministry warned others would receive a death sentence as well.

In Saudi Arabia, convicts are beheaded in public with a razor-sharp sword. Human rights organisations have criticised the executions, saying defendants often are denied due process and fair trials.

Saudi Arabia8217;s Islamic courts can impose the death penalty for drug smuggling, rape, murder and crimes that endanger the public.