Campaign launched to save 17 Indians on death row in UAE

A group of Indian workers has launched a campaign to save 17 Indians who are facing death penalty for allegedly killing a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates, and has demanded a re-trial.

A group of Indian workers has launched a campaign to save 17 Indians who are facing death penalty for allegedly killing a Pakistani national in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and has demanded a re-trial.

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The Leicestershire Indian Workers' Association has called for a re-trial of the 17 Indians said to be involved in the case.

General secretary Sital Singh Gill has organised a public meeting in Leicester this Friday to garner public support.

The 17 Indians, all from Punjab, were sentenced to death Sunday for allegedly killing a Pakistani man and injuring three others in January 2009 following a fight over illegal liquor business. The murder took place in Al Sajaa area of Sharjah in the UAE.

The victim died of wounds after being repeatedly stabbed. He also suffered brain damage, police said, adding the accused had also allegedly attempted to kill three of the victim's compatriots who, however, managed to escape.

A local daily reported that according to the three Pakistanis who survived, 50 people attacked them with knives. Police intervened and arrested the 17 Indians, who led the attack, while the others were let off due to lack of evidence.