Document - Yemen: Further information on death penalty: 'Aisha Ghalib al-Hamzi, (f)

PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 31/005/2009

20 April 2009

Further Information on 100/09 (MDE 31/004/2009, 14 April 2009) Death Penalty

YEMEN 'Aisha Ghalib al-Hamzi, (f) aged about 40, has seven children

'Aisha Ghalibal-Hamzi was executed on 19 April for the murder of her husband; all seven of her children had refused to pardon her. In cases of Qisas(retribution in kind) the relatives of the victim have the power to seek execution, request compensation or grant a pardon freely.

'Aisha Ghalib al-Hamzi wassentenced to death for the murder of her husband in October 2003. She had beendetained in the Central Prison in the capital, Sana’a. Her sentence was confirmed on appeal in 2007. In December 2008, the Supreme Court in Sana’a upheld the death sentence. The President recently ratified her death sentence. Her execution was scheduled to be carried out on 4 April 2009 but was postponed for two weeks to allow attempts to seek a pardon from the relatives of her husband.

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.