Convict in murder case seeks pardon after 15 years in prison

One of five Asians convicted for murder and theft and serving a life term in jail, has appealed to the Dubai Prosecution for pardon on the basis of a waiver he obtained from the blood relatives of the dead man in 1996.

Three Pakistani policemen identified as AAA, 27, ONM, 25, and AAK, 24, and AKM, 27, Pakistani driver, and AMJ, 29, Sri Lankan, had been found guilty of murdering KZK, a guard at a refreshment company CS on December 3, 1993.

The convicts surprised the guard and pulled an electric wire around his neck and then covered his face with a scotch tape. Then they pulled the wire hard until he suffocated to death. Then they entered the company where the fourth and the fifth accused used to work and stole about Dh72,000 and damaged some of its properties.

The case went through three levels of jurisdiction: First Instance, Appeal and Cassation.

The Criminal Court of First Instance awarded death penalty to AAA, AKM and AMJ, life in jail term followed by deportation to ONM and acquittal to AAK in April 1997.

The convicts appealed their sentences while the prosecution appealed against the acquittal of AAK.

The Court of Appeal, in June 1997, upheld the death penalty against AKM and reduced it to life in jail term for AAA and AMJ. It also upheld life in jail term for ONM.

Regarding the prosecution appeal, the court cancelled the acquittal and awarded AAK life in jail term.

AAA , AAK and AMJ appealed their sentences before the Cassation Court which upheld the death penalty for AKM and life in jail sentences for AAA, AMJ and referred AAK’s case back to the Court of Appeals.

After serving more than 15 years, AAA submitted a plea to the prosecution for pardon. The prosecution asked the court to turn down the plea because of the seriousness of the crime.

On behalf of the family, the son of the deceased declared a waiver in 1996.

The convict submitted the plea for pardon to the prosecution in February with the waiver based on the Article 89 of Federal Law No. 43 of 1992 which states that a convict who has spent 15 years in jail has the right to plead for pardon and release.

The court will consider the plea for pardon on September 16.