Saudi Arabia executes Bangladeshi man, woman for indecent acts inside Mecca mosque

Saudi Arabia has carried out the death penalty on a Bangladeshi man and woman for committing indecent acts inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca, the Interior Ministry has announced. The two individuals identified as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar, both citizens of Bangladesh, were arrested by security forces after they allegedly performed immoral acts within a mosque in Mecca.

Following an investigation, they were charged and tried in court, where they were found guilty and sentenced to death under ta zir, a discretionary punishment allowed under Islamic law. The court's decision was influenced by the gravity of the offense and the violation of the mosque's sanctity, along with the circumstances surrounding the acts committed.

The verdicts were confirmed by the appropriate judicial body, and a royal decree was issued to authorize the execution. The executions took place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in the Mecca region. The Interior Ministry emphasized the kingdom's dedication to maintaining security, upholding justice, and enforcing Islamic law against those who desecrate mosques.

It also cautioned that anyone engaging in similar activities would face punishment as per the laws of the kingdom.