Possible early release for camel dispute killer in Dubai

A camel herder who was sentenced to 10 years in prison and deportation for stabbing and killing his compatriot may get released sooner.

DUBAI // A camel herder who was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by deportation for stabbing and killing his compatriot after an argument over the sale of a camel, may be released sooner.

At the Dubai Criminal Court, a representative of the deceased’s family submitted a formal document to inform the courts that they officially waive their rights in the criminal case, which concluded two years ago.

According to UAE law, once the family waive their rights, the court can reduce the sentence.

At a previous hearing, the Sudanese herder, SA, 24, confessed that he killed Mohammed Abbas Babikir but denied that the killing had been premeditated.

“We had an argument about the share of the profits in a camel sale,” said SA during the trial.

Another Sudanese herder, MB, 26, saw the argument from a distance and once it got physical, ran to break up the fight. He saw the victim on the floor bleeding and holding his stomach, while SA stood by holding a knife covered in blood.

Forensic reports show the victim was stabbed twice – once in the stomach and once in the heart.

“I laid his head on a rock and watched him spit out blood while taking his last breaths,” MA said in court records.

The court will issue a verdict on February 26.