Saudi panel considers ending public beheadings

RIYADH // A Saudi ministerial committee is looking into dropping public beheadings as a method of execution.

Saudi Arabia is the only country where a death sentence can result in beheading in a public square.

Al Watan newspaper reported today that committee is considering fatal shootings as an alternative.

There have been calls in the kingdom for replacing public beheadings with lethal injections carried out in prisons.

The kingdom executes anyone convicted of murder, armed robbery, rape and trafficking in drugs.

It has executed 15 people so far this year, 76 last year and 79 in 2011.

The kingdom executes anyone convicted of murder, armed robbery, rape and trafficking in drugs. It has executed 15 people this year, 76 last year and 79 in 2011.

There was no official confirmation immediately available of the newspaper's report.