There is something remarkable about a country’s justice system when even members of its royal family can face the full consequences of their actions.
On 18 October 2016, Saudi Arabia executed Prince Turki bin Saud Al-Kabir for murdering a fellow Saudi citizen, Adel Al-Muhaimeed.
The murder reportedly occurred in 2012 following an altercation in Riyadh, during which the prince shot and killed Adel.
But what makes this historical incident even more remarkable is what reportedly happened before the execution.
According to contemporary Saudi media reports, the prince’s family made several attempts to persuade the victim’s family to forgive him. Enormous financial compensation, reportedly amounting to millions of Saudi riyals, was offered as blood money (Diyah).
However, the victim’s father reportedly refused the offers and remained determined to pursue justice for his murdered son.
Even on the day of the execution, another reported attempt was made to obtain forgiveness.
But the victim’s family did not change its decision.
Eventually, the death sentence was carried out.
Think about the significance of this incident. A Saudi prince, born into a royal family with wealth and influence, could not simply escape the consequences of murdering an ordinary citizen.
His title did not automatically protect him. His family’s wealth could not compel the victim’s father to forgive him.
This is an illustration of the Islamic principle of Qisas, under which the rightful heirs of a murder victim may seek retribution, accept blood compensation or forgive the offender.
Saudi Arabia’s strict drug laws
The country’s strict approach also extends to drug-related crimes.
Saudi Arabia has some of the toughest drug laws in the world. Cocaine trafficking and other serious drug offences can attract the death penalty. The authorities have repeatedly demonstrated their determination to combat drug smuggling and distribution.
It is important, however, to distinguish drug trafficking from simple possession, as not every person caught with cocaine automatically receives a death sentence.
The bigger lesson
Of course, Saudi Arabia’s justice system, like every country’s, can be examined and debated, particularly regarding human rights and the fairness of criminal proceedings.
Nevertheless, the execution of Prince Turki in 2016 remains a significant historical example of a royal family member being held accountable for murder.
The lesson is simple:
A prince should not be more important than an ordinary citizen before the law.
Money should not purchase immunity. Influence should not destroy justice. And a person’s family background should not determine whether the law applies to them.
A country becomes stronger when its laws are not designed to protect the powerful from the powerless, but to hold everyone accountable, regardless of who they are.
Nobody should be above the law. Not even a prince.
Source: Sheikh Muhammad Awwal wall
