DUBAI // The man who raped and killed 8-year-old Obaida Al Aqrabawi was sentenced to death on Monday morning.
About 10 members of the victim’s family were present at Dubai Criminal Court as the judge announced the sentence for the 48-year-old Jordanian.
The family members hailed the court’s decision with shouts of “Allahu Akbar”.
The Jordanian boy’s father began sobbing while some men in the courtroom consoled him.
“Thank you UAE, your just law gave us peace,” he said. “Always thankful to God.”
The boy’s uncle said that Obaida was now at rest and was a bird in heaven.
Obaida’s mother was not present for the sentencing. Her brother said she was back in Jordan and that he would call her and inform her.
Habib Al Sayegh, board chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, and Jameelah Al Muhairi, of the Emirates Human Rights Association, were also there to witness the sentencing.
“We are present because this is a major case, which is alien to our society. We were hoping for the deterrent of a public execution,” said Mr Al Sayegh.
Obaida was kidnapped on May 20 while playing outside his father’s garage in Sharjah’s industrial area.
His body was found two days later in Academic City Road in Al Warqa.
salamir@thenational.ae
UPDATE: Grieving father plans to visit Obaida's grave to tell him 'justice has been served'
