Abu Dhabi: (RightNow) The United Arab Emirates has amended its law to increase the jail term for murder cases where Qisas (retribution) is pardoned, from 7 years to 15-20 years. This change has been made through a federal decree and is effective immediately.

Under the amendment to Article 384, Clause 3, the minimum jail term for pardoned Qisas cases is now 15 years, with a maximum of 20 years. Previously, the term ranged from 7 to 15 years.

The new law applies when the victim’s heirs pardon Qisas at any stage of the judicial process. The offender will not be exempt from imprisonment.

This amendment aligns with Islamic law principles of Qisas, aiming to ensure punishment for the offender even if pardoned by the victim’s heirs, maintaining the legal process.

It is noteworthy that the previous law set the jail term at 7 years for pardoned Qisas cases, which has now been increased.