[Deathpenalty]death penalty news---worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

June 23


SAUDI ARABIA:

Saudi Arabia: Repentant militants won't face death penalty


Saudi Arabia has an offer for Muslim militants. The kingdom says if
terrorists turn themselves in during the next month, they will not face
the death penalty.

The Saudi government also says militants will only be prosecuted if they
committed acts that hurt others.

Crown Prince Abdullah says the offer is open to anyone who has not yet
been "arrested for carrying out terrorist acts." He says it's open to
"everyone who deviated from the path of right and committed a crime in the
name of religion."

However, if militants ignore the offer, Abdullah says nothing will prevent
the Saudi government from striking with its full might.

Saudi Arabia has seen a series of fatal attacks blamed on al-Qaida and its
sympathizers. The most recent was the beheading of American hostage Paul
Johnson.

(source: Associated Press)