TAIF: Awad Al-Harbi, a Saudi who has been on death row in a Taif prison for 18 years, has been pardoned by the family of his victim Faraj Al-Subaie whom he murdered in 1994. The family accepted SR 27 million as diya (blood money) which is to be paid in four months, local Arabic dailies reported yesterday.
The four-month period ends on 29 Safar, 1434H (Jan. 17). The pardon document signed by the two parties clearly states that the clemency would be canceled and the murderer executed if the sum of money was not paid by that date.
“I hope that with the help of philanthropists and welfare loving people, I will be able to collect the required blood money,” Al-Harbi said. He was sure that his family, relatives, citizens of the southern Al-Khomrah region and the various tribes in the area would be able to raise the money before the grace period expired.
Al-Harbi has been nicknamed “groom of Taif prison” because he got married about three years ago while he was behind bars to a daughter of another prisoner who was executed soon after the marriage took place. He has a 2-year-old daughter whom he named Amal (hope). “I am speechless. I cannot describe my feelings. I am so happy. I thank Allah and all those who have helped me get out of the prison,” he said.
Al-Harbi spent all these years in prison waiting for the son of the victim to reach the age of 18 and decide whether to spare his life or let him be executed. The son reached the age of puberty a few months ago but refused to pardon the murderer of his father.
But under sustained intervention and good offices of the tribes in the region, the son finally accepted to take the blood money and pardon the murderer.
Al-Harbi killed Al-Subaie who was his close friend after a heated discussion that turned violent. He took out his pistol and shot his friend in the head point blank.
‘Groom of Taif prison’ pardoned
