Jeddah, Nov 28 (ABP) : In the next few days, Saudi authorities are all set to behead 50 men convicted of terrorism offences; among those facing execution are three young men who were juveniles when they were arrested.

According to an article published in the newspaper Okaz, families of the accused and concerned human-rights organisations have convinced that the executions are imminent.

The newspaper has close links to the Saudi Ministry of the Interior.

As per the plan, the beheading of these men will take place in several cities across the kingdom, most likely after Friday prayers, sources said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Saudi Arabia already this year has carried out at least 151 beheadings. But these would be the first that deal with allegations of terrorism.

According to media reports, in 2014, a total of 90 were executed but none was for terrorism offences. It is believed that seven of the condemned men are Shia from the region of Al-Awamiyah in the oil-rich Eastern Province. Since long Saudi Shia have protested over discrimination and mistreatment by the Sunni central government in the country.

A leading Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr al Nimr, arrested in 2012, in a shootout with security forces, is among those thought to be facing the death sentence.

It must be noted here that Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq are among world’s top users of death penalty, according to reports.