DUBAI // A jealous woman who strangled her husband’s first wife in 1999 and dumped her body was on Tuesday granted early release from prison.
Pakistani R A was aided by her brother when she killed R B, a compatriot, in March 1999.
A friend who helped was also found guilty of pre-meditated murder.
The husband had his two wives living in the same house with their nine children, records show.
The woman had told prosecutors that the first wife had been a troublemaker and often fought with her.
She said the victim had also accused her brother, T A, of theft.
She and her brother decided the first wife had to be killed. They paid M H, also Pakistani, to kill the woman but he failed, so they decided to do it themselves.
She lured the victim to a bank in Sharjah, claiming their husband had asked her to sign some papers.
On the way, they stopped the car in a deserted area of Mirdif, pinned the first wife to the seat and strangled her. They disposed of her body in Al Dhaid.
They were arrested after the husband filed a missing persons report and then identified her body, which was found by police.
Prosecutors charged the three of forming a gang to kill the woman.
After serving 15 years, the three obtained a waiver from their victim’s family and a certificate of good conduct from the prison, as well as an undated letter written by her to the Rulers.
“I am very sorry for what I did. I am seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness, as well as your pardon,” she wrote.
“I was driven and seduced by the devil when I committed that huge mistake.
“I hope I am granted a second chance and released soon so that I can take care of my four children and R B’s five children, considering that my husband is now elderly.”
If Dubai Public Prosecution does not appeal the ruling, the three will be provided with air tickets and deported.
salamir@thenational.ae