Experts say executions ‘appropriate sanction’

RIYADH: The execution of 47 people by Saudi Arabia recently was the appropriate sanction because of the harm caused by terrorism in the Kingdom and other countries in the region, according to Gulf-based experts.
Fahd Al-Shulaimi, president of the Gulf Security and Peace Forum, said the death sentences was clear evidence that the Kingdom remained committed to fighting terrorism, according to a report in a local publication on Monday.
“What characterizes these judgments is that they were not directed at a particular group or sect but to all those who have adopted deviant thoughts and deeds,” he was quoted as saying.
He said the judgments would assure Saudi and Gulf citizens that the country would hold criminals accountable for spilling the blood of innocent people. He said it was strange that Iran was protesting because Tehran has also hung several people it considers terrorists, including members of the Ahwazian community.
Al-Shulaimi said that some international organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the executions, but have had little to say about the 14 million displaced Syrian refugees, and more than 300,000 killed during that country’s revolution, and the death toll in Iraq. “They are not interested in protecting people in the region,” he said.
Abdullah bin Huwail, chairman of the committee on foreign affairs, defense and national security of the Bahraini Council of Representatives, said that Saudi Arabia has adopted sound policies that should be a model for all other nations.
He said it was clear that Saudi Arabia and other nations were being targeted by Iran and other “arrogant” states. This gave Saudi Arabia the right to defend itself to protect its interests and assets, even with the use of the sword.