[Deathpenalty] death penalty news----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

June 15




UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:

Dubai's Attorney General calls for death penalty for Obaida's killer


The Attorney General of Dubai has called for the death penalty against the 
alleged killer of eight-year-old Obaida Al Aqrabawi, who was kidnapped, 
strangled and then murdered last month.

Essam Eisa Al Humaidan said the 48-year-old Jordanian, who police said admitted 
the crime, should be executed.

The man has been referred to Dubai Criminal Court on charges of kidnapping, 
child abuse and 1st-degree murder.

The body of Obaida, who is also Jordanian, was found on May 22 under a tree on 
Academic City Road in Dubai's Al Warqa. He had been strangled and there were 
signs of sexual assault. He had been kidnapped 2 days before that in front of a 
garage in Sharjah's industrial area where his father worked.

Mr Al Humaidan said that prosecutors have completed their investigations into 
the case in less than 2 weeks and that they call for a speedy trial.

The investigation team listened to the testimonies of the victim's father, 
uncle and all the officers who were involved in gathering evidence and 
arresting the defendant. The team also watched a re-enactment of the crime 
involving the defendant, who is said to have confessed in detail.

The Attorney General added that the death penalty has been demanded by 
prosecutors because he pleaded guilty and there is sufficient evidence from 
witnesses and forensics proving that he committed the crime.

The defendant was also charged with consumption of alcohol and driving under 
the influence.

(source: The National)