Saudi Arabia to allow burial of non-Muslims

Saudi Arabia will allow for the first time the burial of non-Muslims, the pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat news site reported Wednesday. The decision comes following an Islamic fatwa allowing for the burials, and amidst mounting criticism of the kingdom by a number of human rights groups over some of the country's social practices.   In the case of not being able to transport the body of a non-Muslim to his or her home country, an official confirmed burial would now be allowed in the capital Riyadh. Previously, conditions for transferring a deceased's body outside of Saudi Arabia required the approval of Saudi authorities, the citizens' embassy, in addition to a 3000 Saudi Riyals fee, for the coffin and transportation fees. (ahram)