The Dammam Reconciliation Committee has saved 26 people from being executed for murder by persuading the families of the victims to pardon them or receive blood money.
Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif praised the efforts of the committee and said they are acting in the best interests of the community. He was speaking during the weekly meeting of the provincial council on Monday at the headquarters of the governorate.
Prince Saud said the Kingdom has always sought to reconcile community members. “We have never forced anyone to give up their lawful rights and forgive a killing or murder,” he said.
He applauded the efforts of the committee and its members who travel to remote places inside the Kingdom and even outside the country to contact the parties involved.
“The voluntary efforts of Al-Osaimi and his colleagues on the committee, and the other committees across the Kingdom, are highly appreciated,” he said.
Al-Osaimi said his committee has handled 147 cases, of which 76 involved killings. “The committee handled 26 cases in which the other parties conceded their rights, or settled with financial compensation,” he said.
Al-Osaimi said there were other cases involving family disputes and inheritance. He said that reconciliation could only take place in accordance with Islamic principles. Intervention in murder cases needs the approval of the government, he said.
Source: Arab News, February 19, 2015