JEDDAH — The execution of 47 terrorists in 12 cities on Saturday was widely welcomed by scholars, citizens, Shoura Council members, lawyers, human rights groups and non-governmental organizations. "The executions were in line with Shariah. The verdicts were thoroughly scrutinized by 13 judges in three courts," the Council of Senior Scholars said in a statement issued by its general secretariat. It said the executions were fair. Shoura Council members also expressed full support for the verdicts. Deputy speaker of the Council Muhammad Al-Jifri said the announcement of the executions was enough proof of the independent nature of the Kingdom's judiciary which is based on Shariah. "The terrorists were given the right to appeal the verdicts which passed through 13 judges in various courts including the Court of Appeal," he said. Jifri said the verdicts came as a message to the whole world that the Kingdom will not hesitate in applying Allah's rules and will not tolerate terrorism. He recalled the recent establishment of an Islamic military alliance against terrorism with the participation of 34 Islamic countries, and said the global welcome of the alliance was a great support to the Kingdom's unflinching stand against terrorism. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Naji, a Council member, said the executions will further boost the Kingdom's security and stability. "Every citizen should be proud over the verdicts," he added. He said the Kingdom has set an exemplary example of a steadfast fight against terrorism which has culminated in the establishment of an Islamic military alliance. Abdullah Al-Saadoun, another Council member, said the executions were a further proof of the Kingdom's success in fighting terrorism. "The terrorists were given fair trials. They were allowed to defend themselves and appeal the verdicts," he said. A number of lawyers supported the executions saying they confirmed the independent nature of the Kingdom's judiciary and reflected the country's determination to wipe out terrorism and dry up its sources of financing. Abdullah Marie Bin Mahfouz, a lawyer and a legal consultant, said the executions of the terrorists were carried out to ensure the security of the country and its citizens. "Terrorist organizations are intent on shattering the country's unity and plant the seeds of dissension among its citizens," he said. Mahfouz warned against external forces which were maneuvering to infuse poison. Majed Garoup, secretary general of the International Association of Lawyers, said every terrorism planner, accomplices, associates and supporters should be held accountable and tried with capital punishment.
