Yemen: Father pardons killer of his son moments before execution

Dubai: In a stunning display of forgiveness and compassion, a leader of a Yemeni tribe in the Ma’rib governorate pardoned the killer of his son on Monday, moments before his execution, local media reported.

Sheikh Abdullah Al Qahati, the father of the victim, Saddam, was present at the Ma’rib Appeal Prosecution building to witness the execution of Rabih Al Damasi, who had been convicted of intentionally killing Saddam years ago.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Al Qahati chose to waive his right to carry out the death sentence as retribution for his son’s murder, ‘for the sake of God Almighty’.

The decision was made in the presence of a number of sheikhs and community notables, who were all moved by the Sheikh’s act of forgiveness.

According to witnesses, the victim’s father had earlier forgiven the murderer of another son of his years ago. This act of mercy and forgiveness has captured the attention of Yemeni activists on social media, who have praised Sheikh Al Qahati’s extraordinary display of compassion.

The perpetrator’s mother had started camping in the cemetery where the victim, Saddam, was buried, asking for forgiveness and pardon.

The mother’s plea for mercy seems to have resonated with Sheikh Al Qahati, who chose to put aside his desire for retribution and instead chose to forgive for the sake of God Almighty.