Saudi Arabia has executed a member of the royal family for the first time in nearly four decades, according to Saudi state news .
Prince Turki bin Saud al-Kabeer was convicted of shooting another Saudi citizen and was executed in Riyadh this week. The manner of execution was not specified.
Prince Turki was "from one of the most prominent branches of the royal family after that of the direct descendants of King Abdulaziz," according to Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, another member of the royal family, in an interview with the New York Times .
"The king has always said that there is no difference in the law between princes and others, and I think that this is clear manifestation of the reality of that fact," Prince Faisal said.
Prince Turki pleaded guilty to shooting the other Saudi citizen, Adel al-Mohaimeed, during a brawl four years ago in al-Thumama region on the outskirts of Riyadh. Another person was reportedly injured in the incident.
"Authorities were able to arrest the above mentioned offender. After the investigations, they charged him of committing the crime and his indictment was sent to the General Court. He was charged with what was attributed to him and sentenced to death as retribution," the ministry of interior said in an official statement, according Arabian Business .
"Blood money" was refused by the victims family.
"The Ministry of Interior confirms to everybody that the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is keen to keep order, stabilize security and bring about justice through implementing the rules prescribed by Allah Almighty on whoever violates the sanctity of civilians and commits bloodshed and, at the same time, warns whoever dares to commit such a crime that the Sharia penalty is awaiting," Saudi state news said.
The last documented incident of a Saudi royal being executed was Princess Mishael, the granddaughter of Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdel-Aziz the brother of King Fahd, in 1977. She was executed along with her husband for adultery after refusing to marry a man selected by her family. Her husband watched as she was shot and then he was beheaded.
Prior to that in 1975, Prince Faisal bin Musaid was beheaded for assassinating King Faisal.
Saudis took to social media to share their thoughts on the incident, using a hashtag that translates to "Resolute Salman orders the punishment of the prince"
Justice is the basis of governance. May God protect our ruler and keep people walking in the correct path. #Salman_the_resolute_orders_the_punishment_of_the_prince