ABU DHABI // A Pakistani who stabbed another man to death has told a court that he was acting in self defence.
S F told the Criminal Court that he was defending himself and four companions against a gang of 45 men who had pelted them with glass.
His companions managed to escape but he was held down by the victim, who continued to attack him.
He said his victim was holding a knife but he snatched it out of his grasp and stabbed him until he was able to escape.
The defendant was taken by his cousin to a hospital to treat his injuries in a different city.
He did not report the attack to police but stayed for nine days in the hospital until his wounds had healed.
His lawyer, Mohammed Al Khazraji, asked to have the charge changed from premeditated murder to beating that led to death.
“The intent to kill is not there. The defendant was defending himself and trying to escape. It was the victim who attacked first,” Mr Al Khazraji said.
He also asked the court to seek a decision from the victim’s heirs on whether they would seek the death penalty before proceeding further.
The case has been adjourned until May 27 so the victim’s relatives could be contacted.
hdajani@thenational.ae
