ABU DHABI // A man wanted for murder by Pakistani authorities has said the victim’s family have accused him because they want his land, the Appeals Court heard on Wednesday.
K S, from Pakistan, said while he was at home in his village, the victim was found murdered near a river.
“There were 100 men standing there,” he said. “I even attended the burial and funeral, and no-one said anything to me.”
Ten days later, he travelled to Abu Dhabi after receiving his visa.
A month after the murder, the court heard there were arguments between the defendant and the victim’s family over land owned by K S.
“His family has many pieces of land and we have a small one, in the same countryside,” he said.
The victim’s family allegedly decided they wanted K S’s land because it was an important passageway for them. “We refused. We told them they have many lands and they don’t need ours.”
After the discussion, he told the court, the victim’s family accused him of murdering the man to pressure him into giving up the land.
“You received your UAE visa before or after the murder occurred?” asked Chief Justice Dr Khairi Al Kabbash.
“After the incident,” the defendant said. “I was in the UAE earlier, but there were problems with my visa so I travelled back to Pakistan until it was resolved.”
After being asked by the court when the land dispute began, K S said it took place one month after his compatriot’s body was discovered.
A decision on whether or not K S will be handed over to Pakistani authorities will be made on March 30.
hdajani@thenational.ae
