2 women jailed over death of male relative

AMMAN — The Cassation Court has upheld a December Criminal Court ruling sentencing two women to three months each after convicting them of complicity murder charges in connection with the death of their male relative in Karak in February.

The two women, the victim’s mother and sister, received a six-month prison term each after being convicted of murdering the 42-year-old victim with the help of three other male relatives on February 28.

However, the court decided to reduce their sentence to half because the victim’s family dropped charges against them.

The three male relatives were of military background and were tried in a separate court.

Court papers said the victim was a drug addict and trouble maker and would often accuse his mother of committing adultery.

The victim was also struggling with mental health problems and would often physically abuse the defendants, the court transcripts said.

“The victim also attempted to sexually assault his sister a few days before the incident,” according to court transcripts.

On the day of the murder, the court maintained, “the victim entered the house holding an axe and attempted to attack the defendants”.

However, the court said that the three male relatives jumped in to stop him and pinned him to the ground.

“The three men and the two defendants brought ropes and tied him up with it,” the court said.

The victim, however, choked from the rope that was also tied around his neck and was rushed to hospital, according to the court papers.

The victim was declared dead on arrival, the court added.

The Criminal Court’s general attorney asked the higher court to uphold the sentences.

The higher court decided to uphold the ruling stating that it was accurate and in accordance with the law.

The Cassation Court tribunal comprised judges Mohamad Ibrahim, Yassin Abdullat, Nayef Samarat, Hammad Ghzawi and Qassem Dughmi.