RIYADH, 2 May 2004 — Suleiman Al-Qadi pardoned Prince Fahd ibn Naif ibn Saud, 19, the killer of his son, Mundir, just 35 minutes before he was to be executed here yesterday.
“For the sake of God, please save my life. God will in turn save you from hell,” the handcuffed prince pleaded. The request changed Al-Qadi’s mind.
Ibrahim Al-Shathry, director of public rights at the Riyadh Governorate, told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News, that Al-Qadi’s decision surprised everybody as he had previously rejected all mediation efforts.
“It was a big shock as Al-Qadi, his brothers and relatives had told the governorate officials to make sure the execution was carried out,” Al-Shathry said.
Prince Fahd gunned down Mundir, 15, on Sept. 18, 2002 in cold blood following a dispute between his brother, Prince Sultan, 15, and the victim.
The conflict turned to violence when Prince Fahd intervened and chased Mundir. He shot at Mundir’s car with a machinegun, killing the boy instantly. The shooting took place on the capital’s Takhassussi Street.
“The case was dealt with like any other murder case,” the governorate official said. The Department of Investigation & Public Prosecution presented its report to the Interior Ministry, which in turn passed the case over to the Shariah Court.
After hearing from all parties, the court gave its judgment to execute the murderer. A royal decree was issued to carry out the execution on May 1 after the Supreme Judicial Council had endorsed the verdict.
Mundir’s close relatives were informed of the execution date, as was the murderer, Prince Fahd, and his family. A notary public was present to take the man’s last will. At about 10 a.m. Prince Fahd was taken to the execution square with his hands cuffed and eyes covered.
While the executioner was preparing to carry out the verdict, Prince Fahd made his final plea to Mundir’s father to pardon him.
Al-Qadi then asked the representative of the governorate and the court to give him some time to pray and make a final decision. He was given 30 minutes during which he prayed and contacted his wife. He asked for five more minutes to meet with his sons and relatives. After that Al-Qadi declared that he had pardoned his son’s killer, seeking the reward of God.
The crowd, which assembled to watch the execution, shouted “Allahu Akbar” in appreciation of the decision.
Al-Qadi and his relatives then went to court to sign documents for the pardon. Al-Qadi said he took the decision on his own without bowing to any outside pressure.
The prince’s relatives, who were not present at the execution square, arrived later to thank Al-Qadi and his sons.
