Saudi Arabian state TV has announced the execution of 47 people.

The country's Interior Ministry says most were involved in attacks carried out by al Qaeda from 2003 to 2006.

They also included prominent Shia cleric Sheik Nimr al Nimr, who had called for democratic reforms.

Saudi Arabia carried out at least 157 executions in 2015, with beheadings reaching their highest level in two decades.