S Asians given execution deadline

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A court in Saudi Arabia has given three South Asian workers a week to appeal against their death sentences for killing an elderly woman.

The three - two Sri Lankans and an Indian - were sentenced last year for killing her during an armed burglary.

Another five Sri Lankans - including two women - have also been sentenced to five years in jail and 500 lashes for their part in the burglary and death.

Correspondents say that Saudi Arabia carried out 103 executions last year.

Death sentences are usually carried out by beheading.

'Under duress'

Sri Lankan officials say that they have appealed for an extension to the week-long deadline handed down to the three so that they have time to get the latest ruling translated from Arabic into English.

Newspapers in the Arab kingdom have reported that the son of the murdered woman has called for the other five people convicted in relation to the case also to be given death sentences.

Correspondents say that under Islamic law, the views of the victim are important in determining the severity of criminal sentences.

Amnesty International has already criticised the verdict delivered by the Jeddah High Court in June and accused the Saudi authorities of imposing death sentences which are "not in accordance with proper judicial procedure".

"They have had no legal assistance at any time, even during trial and are believed to have confessed under duress," an Amnesty statement said.

"Amnesty International's concern is heightened given that appeals are heard in secret and that these individuals will be at risk of imminent execution if their sentences are upheld on appeal," the statement said.

The Sri Lankan deputy Foreign Minister, Hussain Bahila, is expected to discuss the case in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Tuesday.

In February four Sri Lankan migrant workers convicted for armed robbery were beheaded in Saudi Arabia.