Killer needs Dh35m to escape death

A Saudi man on the death row for killing another Saudi needs to pay SR35 million (Dh35m) blood money within four months to escape execution.

A court in the Northern Saudi town of Skaka agreed to scrap the death penalty against Tariq Al Ruwaili if his relatives pay blood money to the victim’s family.

“The judge gave Ruwaili’s relatives four months to raise the money…after it is paid, Ruwaili will be freed,” Ajel newspaper said.

Under Islamic law, which is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia, a convicted killer can escape execution and walk free if pardoned by the victim’s family in return for blood money, which is officially set in Saudi Arabia at SR300,000 for a Muslim victim. However, the victim’s relatives are allowed to demand any sum.

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