Death penalty sought in boy's slaying

DUBAI // The Dubai Attorney General yesterday called for the death penalty against the alleged killer of four-year-old Moosa Mukhtiar Ahmed, whose body was found in the bathroom of a mosque in Al Qusais, Dubai, on November 27. Issam al Humaidan called for an expedited trial and conviction of the 30-year-old Emirati suspect, identified as HA. "This heinous crime has shocked society and does not agree with our beliefs and culture," Mr al Humaidan said. "In addition, this ugly crime was committed on the first day of Eid."

The case will possibly be heard within the next 10 days, a prosecution source close to the investigation said. Prosecutors recently said they would press for the death penalty if the man accused of killing the Pakistani child was convicted. Yousuf Mohammed Foulaz, the chief prosecutor who is handling the case, said investigations were nearly complete and that the accused would soon be referred to the courts. "Dubai Public Prosecution will be asking for the maximum penalty against the suspect, which is the death penalty," he said in a statement.

Mr al Humaidan said Moosa died as he tried to fend off his assailant. "When the victim screamed, the defendant placed his hands against the boy's mouth to prevent him from screaming and kept banging his head against the floor until the boy died," he said. amustafa@thenational.ae