TAIF — A convicted murderer who has been on the death row in Taif for 18 years has finally been pardoned by his victim's family provided he pays SR27 million in blood money within four months. Saudi national Awad Al-Harbi, who killed fellow Saudi Faraj Al-Subaie in 1994, has until Jan. 17 to pay up, otherwise the pardon will be void and he will be executed, local media reported on Friday. Al-Harbi said: “I hope that with the help of philanthropists and well-wishers, I will be able to collect the required amount.” He added he was sure his family, citizens of the southern Al-Khomrah region and various tribes in the area would be able to raise the money before the grace period expired. Al-Harbi has been nicknamed the “groom of Taif prison” because he got married about three years ago to the daughter of another prisoner who was executed soon after the marriage took place. He has a two-year-old daughter whom he named Amal (hope). He said of the pardon: “I am speechless. I cannot describe my feelings. “I am so happy. I thank Allah and all those who have helped me get out of the prison.” Al-Harbi spent a long time in prison because he was waiting for the victim's son to turn 18 and decide whether to spare his life or let him be executed. The son reached adulthood a few months back but refused to pardon Al-Harbi. After tribes in the region intervened, the son finally accepted the blood money and pardoned his father's murderer. Al-Harbi killed Al-Subaie, who was his close friend, after a heated argument between them turned violent. He took out his pistol and shot his friend point blank in the head. — SG
