British criticism of executions rejected

LONDON/JEDDAH: The Kingdom has rejected British Prime Minister David Cameron’s criticism of the country’s execution of 47 terrorists.
The Kingdom’s embassy sent a statement to all British members of Parliament outlining the crimes committed by the men in 2003 against the state and Saudi people, according to reports Friday.
The embassy added that Saudi Arabia was within its rights as a sovereign nation to execute them. The 13 judges who sentenced them to death did not take into consideration their ethnic or religious affiliations when making their ruling.
The embassy also stated that there were attempts in international media to sully the reputation of the Kingdom under Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
According to reports, Cameron said: “And specifically on Saudi Arabia let me be clear — we condemn and do not support the death penalty in any circumstances and that includes Saudi Arabia.”
Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdul Bari Al-Thubaiti, imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, said in his Friday sermon: “There are some people who are doubtful about applying Islamic punishments against criminals who violated society’s rights. They think that criminals and innocent people who have been killed in terrorist acts are equal.” He added that it is important to apply Shariah punishments to maintain pubic security. “Such punishments reduce crimes.”
Separately, Turkey summoned the Iranian ambassador to demand an end to reports in Iranian media linking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Saudi Arabia’s execution of Shiite terrorist Nimr Al-Nimr.
Turkey protested reports suggesting that the execution of Al-Nimr was linked to Erdogan’s recent visit to Riyadh. Turkey also criticized the attacks on two Saudi missions in Iran.