Saudi Arabia executes Pinoy who killed employer in 2007 –DFA

A Filipino worker convicted of killing his employer was executed Monday morning in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

"It is with sadness that we confirm the execution of overseas Filipino worker Joven Esteva at 9 am today (Saudi time),” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia, home to at least 1 million Filipinos, adheres to the Shari’a Law that imposes death penalty for a wide range of offenses and crimes, such as  immorality, murder, sorcery, rape, and drug offenses, among others. Most executions are carried out by beheading.

Foreigners, including a number of Filipinos, have been executed in the past in Saudi Arabia.

Esteva, 39, was convicted of murdering his Saudi employer in 2007 and injuring his employer's son.

“We have provided Mr. Esteva all necessary and appropriate legal and consular assistance, including providing a lawyer, since his arrest in 2007,” Jose said.

Under Shariah Law, blood money or compensation given to the family of murder victims, allows those facing the death penalty, to escape capital punishment.

In exchange for blood money, the victim’s family, should they accept it, will execute a tanazul or an affidavit of forgiveness.

“Regrettably, despite efforts of Philippine government, family of victim refused to grant forgiveness," Jose said.

Jose said Esteva  has already been buried in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with their law. —KBK, GMA News

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