Nazerul
Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar were arrested after committing what
authorities called an immoral act inside a Mecca mosque. A court sentenced them
to death under ta'zir, Islamic discretionary punishment, for violating the
site's sanctity; the verdict was upheld and carried out on Wednesday in the
Makkah region with royal approval.
Saudi officials stressed their resolve to protect holy places and enforce Islamic law, as online reactions highlighted differing views on the kingdom's strict justice system.