According to Al-Qahtani, Muhammad, 22, opened fire against his cousin after the latter allegedly sexually assaulted him several times. The family belonged to Turaib, Asir province.

Naila Aseeri, head of the women’s section at Abha Prison, said Waala has eight daughters and two sons. Muhammad has been sentenced to death for murder.

“As a result of this case our family has been disintegrated. Our mother and brother is in jail. There were negotiations going on for the payment of SR2-million as blood money but they have not reach an agreement,” Al-Qahtani said.

He hoped that philanthropists would stand by the family and support them to get out of the present predicament. “We request prominent personalities to intervene and win a pardon from the family of the murdered,” he said.

There have been mediation attempts before, when Al-Qahtani’s uncle demanded SR3 million in indemnity. Later, his uncle back down from the offer and demanded execution.

“My brother pulled the trigger to take revenge against cousin brother for sexually assaulting him several times and I hope the authorities will stand by my brother to save him from execution,” he said.

Al-Qahtani also spoke about the pathetic condition of his mother, saying she requires special care at this old age. He also asked his uncle to pardon his brother and mother and get them released from prison.

He requested the Human Rights Commission and the National Society of Human Rights to support him to win the release of his mother and brother.

Meanwhile, Waala called upon Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan to intervene to save his son from execution, saying her son committed the crime without knowing its consequences.