UAE Decriminalizes Attempted Suicide and Reorganizes Qisas Provisions

The UAE government issued a federal decree amending certain provisions of the Crimes and Penalties Law, which included decriminalizing attempted suicide and reorganizing provisions for Qisas, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The amendment specified a prison sentence of 15 to 20 years in cases where the victim's heirs waive Qisas, effectively commuting the sentence from Qisas to imprisonment upon pardon by the next of kin.

The amendment established graduated penalties for anyone who incites or assists suicide, starting with detention or a fine and reaching five to seven years in prison if the act leads to the person's death. It also stipulated charging premeditated murder if the person involved is under eighteen, as well as deporting convicted foreigners.

This amendment applies to residents and visitors in the UAE, both citizens and foreigners, as it redraws penalties for crimes affecting the family and society, and defines the liability of those who incite self-harm, at a time when regional countries are reviewing their penal legislation.

What do these terms mean?

Qisas (Retribution): A punishment in Islamic Sharia that matches the crime in kind, applied in crimes against life after being proven, and can be waived by the pardon of the victim's next of kin.

Federal Decree-Law: A legislative instrument issued by the federal authorities in the UAE to amend an existing law, taking effect upon approval and publication.

Premeditated Murder: Killing carried out after prior intent and planning to take a life, considered one of the most severe forms of murder in law.

Deportation: The removal of a convicted foreigner from the country after serving the sentence or in lieu of it, usually accompanied by a ban on re-entry.