Mother seeks clemency for son

The mother of a young man who was sentenced to have his hand amputated following a sheep theft appealed to authorities for clemency and requested an alternative punishment, saying that this was a first-time offense.
The mother said that the other party had dropped charges against her son, Khalid, 18, who had returned the sheep to its owner adding that this should be sufficient reason for authorities to reduce the sentence.
In an impassioned appeal, she said, “I request the authorities to spare my son the amputation and replace it with another judgment considering that he has already spent seven months in prison.”
She added, “My heart is falling apart for my son.”
Meanwhile, Khalid Abu Rashid, a legal consultant, said the defendant has the right to appeal the court verdict, adding that alternative sentences are discretionary or optional.