Arab News continues its coverage of the story of a father’s quest for justice after his minor son was executed in what he alleges was a violation of Saudi law and conscience. It is, unfortunately, not at all uncommon for defendants to simply not show up in court, anticipating the the case will be continued at some later date. In the instance of third-world plaintiffs, the delays can go on so long that the complainant either gives up or his visa expires. This is not what the law provides, but it’s the way it happens.
In this case, the complainant is Saudi. He’s not going anywhere until he’s had his day in court.
Government Rep. Fails to Show Up for Hakami Case
Samir Al-Saadi, Arab NewsJEDDAH, 4 February 2008 — The Court of Grievances postponed the hearing regarding a complaint by the father of a 16-year-old boy who was executed last year after the representative of the plaintiff [Sic] in the case — the Department of Public Security, which is under the Interior Ministry — failed to show up for the hearing yesterday. The next hearing has been scheduled for April 6.
“The Public Security representative did not attend nor did he file an excuse,†said Abdullah Al-Zmami, an attorney from Al-Zmami Law Firm, who is representing Hussein Al-Hakami, the boy’s father. “They know they are guilty, that’s why they didn’t appear.†The father said he is pessimistic about them appearing, saying that they are looking “for a way out of it.â€
According to Saudi law, if a representative of the accused fails to appear during the next session and doesn’t present a legal excuse accepted by the head judge in the trial then the court would continue with the hearing and issue a verdict, said Al-Zmami. The father is suing the Department of Public Security for SR10 million and calling for the execution of those directly responsible for the execution of the boy, Mueed.
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February:04:2008 - 00:02
John,
I thought the law required that the King signs off on all executions. It is tragic that the father’s petition did not make it through for a review. I doubt we will get that level of detail about the story, but it will be interesting to know how the petition process failed in this case.
February:04:2008 - 00:17
If media reports are accurate (not always a safe bet), then this case was messed up from the beginning. It appears to me as though local authorities colluded with the family/tribe of the young man who was killed to ensure that the killer–a minor at the time–also died.