Abu Dhabi: A man was executed on Thursday morning by firing squad in Abu Dhabi after being convicted of murdering an Emirati Engineer in Al Ain in 2002.
Sources confirmed that 36-year-old Alex Rohana, a Sri Lankan, was executed at 7am in the presence of a judge, general public prosecutor, Imam, doctor and police officials.
Rohana stabbed to death Mohammad Obaid Al Muhairi, a 39-year-old father of eight children.
Al Muhairi was the deputy head of the engineering section at Al Ain Municipality and Town Planning Department.
Rohana was sentenced to death by an Abu Dhabi court after being convicted on charges of murder, breaking into a house and having an illicit affair with a woman.
Blood parents of the victim refused to waive their rights or pardon the killer.
A day before his execution, Rohana told Gulf News over the phone from a cell in solitary confinement that he regretted what he did and that he accepted his destiny. Rohana also said that police officials and the prison warden had been very kind and supportive.
Rohana, a father of one daughter who worked for a company in Fujairah, was having an affair with a Sri Lankan housemaid during the time of the attack. On the night of the murder Rohana went to meet the woman at her sponsor’s house in Al Ain to spend the night with her in her room. While the couple were together, the Al Muhairi woke up for morning prayers and when he heard strange noises coming from the housemaid’s room he went to check. The housemaid reportedly denied that someone else was in her room. Rohana tried to run away but was caught by Al Muhairi, they fought and Rohana attacked Al Muhairi, stabbing him to death in his chest with a knife.
Rohana converted to Islam in 2008. He asked his friend on Wednesday not to inform his mother or daughter that he had been executed.
“I’m asking for forgiveness from all that others have endured because of me,” Rohana said. The executed man’s belongings were given to his friend.
Police released the body of Rohana to his relative and friend for burial.
