The UAE is an oasis of prosperity in the Middle East. The oil boom of the sixties has translated the economy of this region to an advanced level, The local population is too small and hence the UAE has to rely on a large expatriate workforce. This expatriate workforce is mainly from the sub -continent and presently make up more than 80% of the total population. Muslims and Sikhs / Hindus work side by side and there is no animosity. The law of the land is a mixture of British jurisprudence and the Sharia and crimes are judged by a combination of British era laws and the Sharia.
In 2015 Mohammed Farhan of Pakistan was killed by 10 Indian workers from Indian Punjab after an altercation. The 10 men were arrested and tried for the crime and sentenced to death. In the UAE death sentence can be commuted in case the accused are pardoned by the victim's near relation, by giving "blood money".
Giving " Blood Money"
The relations of the 10 accused approached Sardar SP Singh Oberoi a Dubai-based businessman, who also hails from Punjab. SP Singh also heads the Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable trust. This is a non-profit organisation that helps people who are arrested. SP Singh contacted the father of the victim in Pakistan and arranged for him to come to Dubai. Singh has arranged AED 200,000 as " Blood Money" about $ 50,000.
This was offered to the father and him accepted it in a spirit of reconciliation and has pardoned the 10 accused. This is as per the Sharia.
Pardon
Now the father and the accused have to appear before the Sharia court which will decide on acceptance of the compromise. In case, the Sharia court accepts the compromise, the accused will be pardoned, but deported from Dubai. The father Mohammed Riaz, in a statement to the press, said" It is unfortunate that I lost my son.
I appeal to young generation not to indulge in such fights. I have forgiven these 10 individuals. In fact, Allah has saved their lives..."
Presently Riaz is in Dubai and arrangements are being worked out. He came to Dubai at the request of Sardar SP Singh, who has made all arrangements for his stay and ticket.
