Iran summoned Saudi Arabia’s charge d’affaires on Sunday over the execution of three Iranians, whom the kingdom had convicted of drug smuggling.
The Foreign Ministry called the Saudi charge d’affaires, Ahmed al-Muwallid, in the absence of the ambassador to convey its dismay over the executions.
Hassan Qashqavi, a deputy foreign minister, said earlier that “unfortunately, by implementing the death sentence against three of our nationals, the government of Saudi Arabia did not do justice to bilateral ties.”
“Countries refrain from executing such sentences by respecting bilateral relations and keeping in mind that implementing such sentences will not bear a positive effect on ties,” Qashqavi was quoted as saying by Press TV.
“There are many foreign nationals sentenced to death in Iran. However, the implementation of the sentences has been halted … due to some expediencies.”
Qashqavi also said the Iranians were denied legal representation and that Tehran would take proportionate diplomatic action following the executions.
The Saudi Press Agency said the death sentences of the Iranians, who had been arrested while allegedly smuggling large amounts of hashish to the kingdom, were carried out in the city of Dammam earlier in the day.
