Unknown Emirati donates SR10 million 'blood money' to save Saudi convict's life

An unknown Emirati man donated SR10 million (BD10 million) as the remaining sum of 'blood money' to save the life of a convicted Saudi killer just a day before his execution, a Saudi-based newspaper reported on Monday.

Mashal Al Mutairi was reportedly sentenced to death last year after he was found guilty of killing another Saudi during a fight in the Northeastern town of Hafr Al Batin.

The victim’s relatives had demanded SR100 million (Dh100 million) diya (blood money), but agreed on half the sum after mediation by Prince Faisal bin Maashal, the Emir of the Central Saudi province of Al Qaseem.

The convict’s tribe managed to raise SR40 million through donations but the victim’s family rejected the sum and insisted on Mutairi’s execution.

“An Emirati paid the remaining SR10 million yesterday (Sunday) and this gesture has saved Mutairi’s life just a day before he was to be executed,” ‘Sabq’ daily said.

(Emirates 247)