Convicted killer needs SR10m to stay alive

A young Saudi man sentenced to death for killing a relative needs to raise SR10 million (Dh9.9 million) to escape the sword as diya (blood money) for the victim’s relatives, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Mohammed Al Shammari, in his 20s, shot Shuail Al Shammari in the head following an argument in their northwestern town of Hail nearly five years ago and was sentenced to death a year later, the Arabic language daily Sabq said.

Police found Shuail’s body in a deserted place and launched an investigation into the crime before the killer’s grandfather handed him over.

The victim’s family has demanded SR14 million (Dh13.8 million) diya to pardon the killer and only SRfour million has been raised.

“Unless the total sum is paid, Mohammed will be executed after two months…his family is appealing for princes, dignitaries and all benevolent people to help him,” it said.

Under Islamic law, which is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia, a killer can escape execution and walk free if pardoned by the victim’s relatives in return for diya.