Emirati footballer cleared of murder after Sharjah court overturns capital punishment

Sharjah: An Emirati footballer avoided capital punishment on Monday after the Sharjah Appeals Court acquitted him of the premeditated murder of his compatriot.

The renowned footballer, F.J., (who played for Sharjah Club until the murder happened last year) was on Monday acquitted after the Appeals Court overturned the initial judgment, capital punishment, and cleared him because of uncorroborated evidence.

F.J.'s lawyer Esmail Hassan Al Saffar said in court that his client was not guilty and argued that the prosecution witnesses gave inconsistent and contradicting statements about the incident.

F.J. played for the Emirati national soccer team more than three years ago.

Meanwhile, the court confirmed the capital punishment against another former Sharjah Club Emirati player, M.B., and F.J.'s brother, M.J.

The court further acquitted three other convicts of the murder charge. Three other convicts each face one year in jail instead of three years after the court reduced their primary judgment.

Advocate Abdul Hamid Al Kumaity, who represents the victim's parents, told Gulf News that he will appeal yesterday's verdict before the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. "According to article 244 of the Criminal Procedures Law, we have the right to appeal on behalf of the blood parents. We are seeking Dh200,000 in blood money plus Dh800,000 in civil compensation against the family's emotional, psychological and financial damages," said Al Kumaity.

The Sharjah Public Prosecution charged the footballers, M.J. and three others, identified as M.F., H.E. and H.H. with intentionally killing their compatriot following a scuffle in a parking lot. The suspects were charged with plotting the murder and bringing swords and a knife to stab the victim to death.

According to the arraignment sheet, M.F. used a sword to stab the deceased on the left side of his face. Meanwhile, M.B. stabbed the victim with a knife in his left shoulder. Public Prosecution records said that the rest of the suspects stood there and watched.

Three other suspects, identified as S.J., M.M. and S.B, were charged with aiding and abetting M.J. and helping him escape justice while they were aware that he was wanted by police.