ABU DHABI // The verdict in the case of two Emiratis who allegedly burned their driver to death was postponed yesterday because the Pakistani victim's family is considering settling the case for blood money. Two 19-year-old Emiratis, OA and SA, and a Russian friend, VB, are accused of first degree murder, alcohol consumption and stealing their victim's wallet. Judge Syed Abdul Baseer of the Criminal Court of First Instance postponed the case until October 11, pending "the position of the relatives".
The victim's family has not made a decision on whether to accept blood money from the family of the accused, even though the case was postponed last month to explore the possibility of a settlement. The prosecution claims the three friends argued with the driver, then beat him over the head and knocked him unconscious before pouring gasoline over the man and setting him on fire. It was not clear if this occurred while they were under the influence of alcohol.
Even if the family accepts the blood money, the defendants, who are being tried as adults, could face up to seven years in jail. Their pleas at the initial hearing were not made public. @Email:newsdesk@thenational.ae