A Yemeni man had his hand cut off by Saudi police after he was convicted by a local court of carrying out many thefts in the conservative Muslim Gulf country.

The official Saudi press agency said Ahmed Mohammed Afandi was found guilty by a criminal court in the southern province of Jazan near the border with Yemen.

It said the sentenced by an initial court was upheld by the supreme court and ratified by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, adding that his right hand was cut off at the wrist.

Saudi Arabia strictly is one the most conservative Moslem nations and strictly enforces Sharia (Islamic law), under which convicted thieves have their right hand cut off by the sword in certain cases.

Source: Emirates 24/7, December 18, 2013