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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A Saudi man convicted of rape and robbery has been beheaded, becoming the 22nd prisoner to be executed by sword this year in the kingdom.
An Interior Ministry statement says the man committed the crimes after drinking alcohol.
Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam under which people convicted of murder, drug trafficking, rape and armed robbery can be executed — usually with a sword.
According to an Associated Press count, Saturday’s execution was the 22nd beheading this year in Saudi Arabia. In 2008, 102 people were beheaded.