In a remarkable act of clemency, the family of a murder victim in Ibb Governorate, central Yemen, has forgiven their son's killer just moments before the execution was to be carried out, concluding a 27-year prison sentence for the convict. Human rights sources reported that the family of the victim, Ammar Ahmed Al-Hajili, announced their pardon for the inmate, Mohammed Taher Samoom, who was convicted of his murder. The forgiveness came moments before the execution order was to be implemented at the central prison in Ibb Governorate. Elders and activists lauded the Al-Hajili family's decision to forgive Samoom, following extensive mediation efforts led by prominent figures, human rights organizations, and activists over the past years. Sources indicated that procedures are currently underway to secure the release of Samoom, who has spent 27 years incarcerated. He was convicted of killing his friend, an incident he claims occurred accidentally. The inmate, Mohammed Taher Samoom, aged 40, was accused of killing his friend in 1999. He was imprisoned at the age of 13. A final execution sentence was issued against him in 2010 after exhausting all legal appeals. The execution was previously halted due to the intervention of human rights organizations. |
