Prince handed death sentence for murder

The Riyadh General Court has sentenced a prince to death for killing his young friend and colleague in Thumamah, Riyadh, in 2012.
Abdul Rahman Al-Falaj, uncle of the deceased, confirmed the news on Twitter. “The Kingdom is blessed to have a fair justice system which is reflected in the court’s decision today to pronounce the death sentence for the murderer of my nephew.”
Adel Al-Mahaimid was killed and another person injured in an exchange of fire following a dispute between people at a camp in Thumamah in December 2012. When the killer realized that his victim was a friend and colleague he informed the police.
The prince has the right to appeal at the Court of Appeal where the verdict would be scrutinized by three judges. If the verdict is upheld, the accused can launch an appeal with the Supreme Judicial Council.
A feature of Saudi law is that a father, guardian, or heirs of people killed have the right to waive punishment. Committees have been set up in all provinces to seek reconciliation between perpetrators and their victims.