Saudi Beheaded on Murder Charges

A Saudi man convicted of murder was beheaded in public in the eastern city of Ihsa, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Mohammed bin Jowainan al-Arjani al-Ajmi was found guilty of killing Musfir bin Mohammed al-Arjani al-Ajmi following an argument, the statement said.

Al-Ajmi's execution on Saturday, carried out by sword, brings the number of beheadings in the kingdom this year to 13. A Pakistani convicted with drug trafficking was beheaded Friday.

The statement said al-Ajmi drove after his victim, who was on foot, and ran over him over repeatedly until he died. It was unclear how many times al-Ajmi drove over his victim. Their relationship also was unclear.

Last year, at least 49 people -- including 2 women -- were beheaded. At least 81 people were beheaded in 2001.

Under laws rooted in a strict interpretation of Islam, Saudi Arabia imposes the death penalty for murder, rape, apostasy, drug trafficking and armed robbery. Executions are carried out in public to serve as a deterrent.