The UAE Federal Supreme Court has overturned an appeal court ruling that upheld the death sentence of a man convicted of murdering a woman and attempting to kill another man, finding that his right to a proper defence had not been adequately protected.The case has now been sent back to the Court of Appeal for a fresh hearing before a different judicial panel.
Accused challenged intent to kill
According to Khaleej Times, prosecutors accused the man of premeditated murder, alleging that he bought a pair of sharp scissors, concealed the weapon and waited until he was alone with the woman in the stairwell leading to the rooftop of the residential building where they lived.He allegedly stabbed her multiple times, causing fatal injuries.
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Prosecutors also charged him with attempting to murder another man by repeatedly stabbing him.The second victim survived after receiving medical treatment. A third charge related to an illicit relationship with the deceased woman, although the trial court later altered the legal classification of that offence.The Court of First Instance sentenced the accused to death by qisas for the murder, life imprisonment for attempted murder and one month in jail on the third charge. It also ordered the confiscation of the scissors, imposed court costs and directed that the accused be deported after completing his prison sentence. The Court of Appeal later upheld the ruling in full.
Supreme Court cites defence lapses
The accused then challenged the verdict before the Federal Supreme Court, arguing that he did not have the intention to kill, acted under provocation and should undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental state at the time of the incident. He also sought to have the charges reclassified, claiming the evidence did not establish the specific intent required for premeditated murder.The Supreme Court ruled that the appeal court had failed to examine or adequately respond to these key defence arguments despite their potential impact on the outcome of the case.
Fresh hearing ordered
The top court reiterated that all death sentences in the UAE are subject to automatic review before they can be carried out and stressed that courts must not only hear defence submissions but also provide reasoned decisions on substantive requests.Concluding that this legal standard had not been met, the Federal Supreme Court quashed the appeal court’s judgment and referred the case back to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration before a different judicial bench. The ruling does not amount to an acquittal, and the case will now be reheard.
