Views Differ on Death Penalty

Kharim stated this on the occasion of World Day Against Death Penalty that was observed all over the world on Friday.

Condemning the act of capital punishment, he said, “Taking the life of the accused does not serve as an appropriate deterrent.”

Under the Shariah law practised in the UAE, capital punishment is awarded to those convicted of felony of intense gravity. While some consider the punishment inhuman and degrading, others regard it as a deterrent for heinous crimes.

Another Dubai-based lawyer, Anas Al Hag Mohammed, supports capital punishment. “I support the death penalty completely. To me this is the best deterrent for criminals and offenders. Take the example of human traffickers and drug peddlers, who, if not severely punished, will increase rapidly. Also, this is derived from Islam and needs to be practised under Shariah law.”

Earlier, media reports had quoted Abdul Gafar Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Human Rights Association, saying, “Capital punishment does not suit a developed society as UAE. .”

In February this year, an Emirati man, identified as A.H.S., was executed by a firing squad after being convicted of killing two compatriots.

afshan@khaleejtimes.com