SAUDI ARABIA: EMIRATI PAYS OVER $4M TO SAVE KILLER’S LIFE

October 26, 2011: in Saudi Arabia, an unknown UAE donor gave more than $4 million (Dh14.69m) to save a teenage Saudi killer from the gallows and allow the boy to return to his family after awaiting execution in prison for many years, a Saudi newspaper said.
The family of Faisal Al Ruwaili in the northwestern town of Jouf has managed to raise around SR2 million ($540,000) while it has also received some funds into a special bank account set up for donations, 'Sharq' Arabic language daily said.
The victim’s family had demanded diya (blood money) SR20m, prompting the defendant’s family to appeal for help.
“A UAE benevolent person donated more than SR16m to close the account, which now has SR20m, the diya demanded by the victim’s relatives…this person refused to disclose his or her name and sources said they believe she is a woman,” the paper said.
“Sharq is pleased to convey the good news to Failal’s family and wishes that God the Almighty preserve and protect this person who ever he is.”
Faisal was to be executed on 25 October but the victim’s relatives agreed to give his family seven more months to pay the diya following mediation by Prince Khaled Al Faisal, a member of the ruling family.
Ruwaili has been in prison in the Western town of Makkah for several years for murdering a school colleague during a fight.
'Sharq' did not mention his age now but said he is the only supporter of his family, which comprises four sisters and his parents. (Sources: Emirates247.com, 26/10/2011)