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Saudi Arabia has long been the target of criticism over its human rights record.
Western-based organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemn both the criminal justice system and the strict punishments it carries out.
 Poor migrant workers are most vulnerable to abuse
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Other punishments include amputation for theft and flogging for selling alcohol, which is against the Islamic religion.
Repugnant but effective
Although these practices are repugnant to most Westerners, ordinary Saudis say the system works as it keeps their crime rate down.
But Amnesty International says the system is arbitrary and unfair since wealthy people and Westerners are rarely punished, while those from poor countries have little protection.
 Billion dollar Saudi arms budget helps mute criticism
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Their release followed a visit to the country by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Arms industry
Whatever the shortcomings of its justice system, the government of the ruling Al Saud family is seen as a pillar of stability in a volatile region.
Above all, Saudi Arabia is big business. The world's largest oil producer is a huge buyer of arms and other equipment.
It also provides jobs for tens of thousands of Western expatriates.
As long as that equation continues, calls for a probe into the Saudi justice system are likely to remain muted from Western governments.
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