Man sentenced to death on murder charge is freed after victim's family intervene

The Indian convict released after serving 10 years behind bars

An Indian man was freed after the family of his victim agreed to drop charges

A man sentenced to death after killing his flatmate a decade ago was freed, thanks to the intervention of the victim's family.

Sharjah Criminal Court pronounced the death penalty after the Indian worker slit the throat of his compatriot, 38, following a drunken brawl at their shared apartment in Al Nahda.

He also stabbed another flatmate during the altercation in 2011, court records said.

The man, who was also 38 at the time, admitted the killing during police questioning.

He said both men were heavily intoxicated when an argument broke out.

Court records stated the victim had attempted to use a knife, but his flatmate grabbed the weapon from him and slit his throat.

The attacker was sentenced to death for premeditated murder and attempted murder.

Prosecutors had been unable to reach the victim's family during the proceedings. The family were finally located earlier this year, whereupon they asked for the charges to be dropped.

It was not clear what prompted their move, which led to the release of the convict and subsequent deportation.