The rate of beheading has more than doubled since King Salman took reign, with executioners getting little respite as they continue to draw the axe.

MOSCOW, February 1 (Sputnik) — Saudi Arabia has beheaded its fifth man since King Salman came to power, AFP reported.

Abdelrahman al-Jahni, a Saudi citizen who was convicted of shooting a man dead during a dispute, was executed in Medina, according to the agency.

The number of beheaded in Saudi Arabia in 2015 has already reached 17 people, while 87 were decapitated in 2014.

Saudi Arabia executed three people on Wednesday, two on charges of drug smuggling and one on a charge of incest. On Monday, a teacher was executed on charges of raping and kidnapping young girls in a controversial trial which led the late King Abdullah to commute the sentence.

King Salman took reign on January 23, following the death of King Abdullah. Experts consider him a conservative figure who is unlikely to change its existing policies. Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for its use of the death penalty and human rights record, but continues executions for, according to AFP, what the government calls "maintaining security, realising justice."

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia ruled the country for 10 years, having succeeded long-time leader Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud after his death in 2005.

Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud died on Friday after spending several weeks in hospital with a lung infection. Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Saud was named the new Saudi king following his half-brother's death.