JEDDAH, 11 July 2004 — The father of an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a terrorist attack on a government building in Riyadh last April has forfeited his legal rights for retribution provided the attackers turn themselves in under a state amnesty.
Nasser Muhammad Al-Kandiry appeared yesterday on Al-Ekhbariya TV channel saying he and his family have decided to drop their legal rights should militants turn themselves in under an amnesty offered by King Fahd on June 23. The amnesty offers to spare the lives of militants who surrender.
Al-Kandiry’s daughter, Wagdan, was among five people killed in the attack on April 21 that also left over 140 others injured.
Al-Kandiry’s offer was also reported in the Okaz Arabic daily yesterday. “My family, tribesmen and I aim from this to encourage the wanted men to turn themselves in during the grace period,” Al-Kandiry told Okaz. “Our decision comes after full conviction and in good intention, and I hope every person in our country who has a similar private right to drop it for the sake of public interest.”
But Al-Kandiry warned that after the deadline expires, “I will not forgive and will demand my private right.”
A family’s private rights can include demanding death or life in prison for the taking of a life. When a family gives up its private rights, the government can only prosecute the accused for the public rights, such as damaged buildings or terrorism.
Under King Fahd’s amnesty offer, those involved in attacks who turn themselves in will still face trial but the state will not seek their execution if convicted.
Since the announcement of the amnesty, two terrorists have surrendered, including Othman Hadi Al-Amri, No. 21 on the government’s most wanted list. Al-Amri was said to have turned himself in before carrying out an operation. The two terrorists gave interviews to the media, saying they were treated well by authorities upon surrender and urging other wanted individuals to follow.
