Convict needs Dh30 million to save his life

A Saudi on death row after he was convicted of killing another local man needs SR30.4 million (Dh30 million) to save his life after the sum was demanded by the victim’s relatives in line with Islamic law.

The family of Yasser Al Shammari said they had so far raised SR6m (Dh5.9m) and that they would hold campaigns through the Gulf kingdom to raise the remaining fund, according to local newspapers.

Sabq Arabic language daily said the relatives of the victim have agreed to pardon Shammari in exchange for that sum following years of mediation by tribal leaders.

It did not give details of the murder or mention the deadline for execution. But it said Shammari killed that man during a fight in the northwestern Saudi town of Al Jouf.

Under Islamic law, which is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia, a convicted can escape execution and walk free if pardoned by the victim’s relatives in return for diya (blood money). Diya is officially set at SR300,000 in Saudi Arabia but the victim’s family has the right to demand any sum.

 

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