Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — The sons of the late King Abdullah have successfully interceded and saved four prisoners on death row from execution after securing them pardon from the heirs of their victims.
The late king's sons made the noble gesture as an act of charity on behalf of their father in the holy month of Ramadan.
Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah said the families of the murder victims were very gracious "in allowing us to intercede and in forgiving the murderers of their family members."
He said they did not ask for anything in return except the pleasure of God Almighty.
"They wanted to gain rewards from God in this holy month. It was an honor for us to intercede on their behalf and give it as charity in the name of our deceased father. He had a heart of gold and he was known for spreading forgiveness and bringing people closer together through reform and reconciliation,” said Prince Abdulaziz.
Prince Turki Bin Abdullah said everyone remembers the legacy of King Abdullah and his efforts in encouraging people to forgive one another.
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The heir of a murder victim announces his decision to pardon the killer. — Courtesy photo[/caption]
“Families of murder victims choosing to forgive the murderer and saving him from execution is a beautiful display of human empathy, no matter how much it is scarred. We are proud to follow in the footsteps of our father and to commemorate his legacy after his death,” said Prince Turki.
Prince Majed Bin Abdullah said they were not alone in interceding on behalf of death prisoners to secure them pardon.
“Many organizations and individuals in society are taking initiative to encourage families of victims to forgive the murderers of their dear ones. Forgiving the murderer means demanding no blood money in return and demanding no compensation in any form,” the prince said.
Prince Badr Bin Abdullah said his father interceded to gain pardon for people on death row even before he became the king.
“Before he was king, my father was the head of National Security. He believed in the importance of forgiveness in a peaceful society. He would intercede to forgive murderers without any alternative punishment or blood money,” Prince Badr said.
On his part, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Bin Talal said there is no better time to make such a selfless act as forgiving the murderer of a relative than the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Head of the Eastern Province Reconciliation Committee Sheikh Ghazi Al-Shammary said King Abdullah was known for his efforts to "bring people’s hearts together".
