Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior announced the execution of a man in the Makkah region under the hadd punishment for hiraba (banditry and spreading corruption on earth), according to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The statement opened with a Quranic verse on the punishment for hiraba.

According to the ministry, Mohammed bin Akram bin Mohammed Badkook, a Saudi national, lured three women on separate occasions to a secluded place and robbed them. He raped one of them, attempted to rape another and killed one of them.

The ministry said security authorities arrested him and that the investigation led to charges being brought against him. The competent court found him guilty and ruled that his acts constituted hiraba and corruption on earth, as he had assaulted the women’s honour and property and taken an innocent life. The ruling became final after it was upheld on appeal, and a royal order was issued to carry out the sentence.

The sentence was carried out on Saturday, 22/4/1448 AH, corresponding to 3/10/2026, in the Makkah region, the ministry said.

In its statement, the ministry stressed the Saudi government’s commitment to maintaining security, achieving justice and applying the rulings of Islamic Sharia to anyone who attacks innocent people and violates their right to life and security. It warned that anyone who considers committing similar crimes will face the punishment prescribed by Sharia.