The UAE has ordered a halt to the execution of those convicted of murder, to give more time for authorities to contact the victim’s families and offer them the option of receiving blood money instead, it was reported.
The order was made by UAE President, HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is a bid “to settle such cases with the blood parents of the victims,” officials were quoted as saying by Gulf News. The order only applies to those on death row convicted of murder and does not extend to those in jail for rape or drug-related crimes.
A committee has been formed by the Presidential Affairs Ministry to try and contact victim’s families and the move is seen as “a compassionate gesture” by Sheikh Khalifa, the report said.
Families of murder victims have the option to accept blood money or can insist on the death penalty taking place.
This was the case earlier this year when a Sri Lankan expatriate was executed by firing squad in Sharjah.
Executions are rare in the UAE and a leading official told Arabian Business authorities had made every effort to persuade the Emirati murder victim’s family to accept Pillai’s offer of blood money but they insisted on the death penalty being enforced.
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