JEDDAH, 5 October 2003 — An Egyptian family, whose breadwinner was killed by a Saudi, has threatened that they will withdraw the pardon if the killer fails to pay the blood money immediately.
Three years ago following an argument, Abdul Rahman stabbed Ahmad Hassan, a cook in a restaurant in Kandara, central Jeddah. Abdul Rahman must now pay SR600,000 in order to escape the death sentence and get out of jail.
After killing the Egyptian, Abdul Rahman fled and remained hidden for an year until he was caught by the police. Ahmad Hassan’s body remained in a hospital morgue for nearly three months while investigations were being completed.
A Shariah court later sentenced Abdul Rahman to death after he admitted to the crime. Prior to that, Ahmad Hassan’s family insisted that Abdul Rahman be executed for his crime. But Abdul Hay Khallaf, their lawyer, succeeded in convincing the family to relinquish their demand and accepting instead SR600,000.
The court approved the deal.
Abdul Rahman’s family has allegedly delayed the payment. This has of course angered Ahmad Hassan’s sisters who called for quick payment. One of the sisters claimed that Abdul Rahman’s mother had once told them that they had no money to pay and wanted them to forget Ahmad Hassan as if he had died in a train accident in Egypt. Abdul Rahman’s mother, however, has denied that allegation.
In a Jeddah jail, Abdul Rahman is waiting for his release. His family, especially his mother, is also waiting. He told Okaz it would be very difficult for him to pay such a large sum of money. “We are a poor family. Ahmad Hassan’s relatives think we are delaying the payment. But God knows that we possess only a quarter of that amount.”
