Picture for illustrative purposes only. RAK POLICE

A housemaid from Africa, who had spent 14 years on death row in Ras Al Khaimah for the murder of her employer and arson leading to the death of a child, has been granted a pardon by the victims’ family. Her sentence has been commuted to 15 years, of which she has already served 14. The case dates back to 2010 when the maid arrived in Ras Al Khaimah to work for a family. Two weeks into her employment, she fatally stabbed her employer, a housewife, in what she claimed was a fit of rage after being repeatedly poked on the shoulder while cooking. Following the stabbing, she set the family’s apartment on fire in an attempt to cover up the crime, resulting in the tragic death of a one-year-old child who was asleep in the residence. Investigators initially suspected an accidental fire but soon discovered the housewife’s body bore 17 stab wounds, revealing the fire as an intentional act to hide the murder. Their search for the suspect led them to another emirate, where the housemaid had fled to a friend’s house. During interrogation, the housemaid admitted to the crime, adding that she had stolen money and jewelry from the house before setting the fire. She was charged with premeditated murder, theft, and arson. The Ras Al Khaimah Criminal Court gave her a death sentence. Despite numerous appeals, her conviction and sentence were upheld, leaving her to await execution for 14 years. During her time in prison, she converted to Islam, learned tailoring, and was reportedly well-behaved, earning the respect of prison officials and fellow inmates. In 2023, with the assistance of legal counsel, she sought clemency from the victim's family. After extensive negotiations, the family agreed to pardon her in exchange for Dh700,000 in “blood money,” a provision under UAE law that allows convicted individuals to seek forgiveness from victims’ families. The Court of Cassation subsequently commuted her death sentence to a 15-year prison term. Having already served 14 years, she is expected to be released next year. ICA/Expat Media
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