Kuwaiti couple sentenced to death for killing Pinay
KUWAIT CITY - The Kuwait Criminal Court sentenced on Sunday a Kuwaiti couple identified as Abdulaziz Al Falekh and Rabagh Mustafa Sahata to death by hanging for the premeditated murder of their Filipino household service worker, Asria Samad Abdul, in July 2010.
Presiding Judge Abdulnasser Khuraibet also ordered the couple to pay KD5,000 or P765,000 as compensation to the victim's family in the Philippines.
Abdul, 34, a native of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao was tortured by the couple almost daily until she lost consciousness, according to police.
After torturing her, the couple brought her to the Kabd desert where the couple allegedly ran her over with their car to make it appear that she died of a vehicular accident.
Authorities found Abdul's crushed body near the stable in the Kabd Desert. Police arrested the couple, who later confessed to torturing Abdul and running her over with their car.
The Philippine embassy in Kuwait welcomed the Kuwaiti court's verdict.
The embassy, with the approval of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, has retained the services of a Kuwaiti lawyer, who took on the case of Abdul to ensure that justice is served.
A "Justice for Asria Samad Abdul" page was launched on the social networking site Facebook to drum up support for the speedy trial of the suspects.
A Dubai-based Filipino journalist, Ares Gutierrez, launched the campaign after he came across the story on a Kuwaiti news website.
"Finally, it’s over, justice is served. We've seen countless cases of migrant workers - mostly household service workers -- being maltreated, abused and subjected to inhumane conditions not only in Kuwait but elsewhere in the Middle East and in some parts like Hong Kong and Singapore," Gutierrez said.
"This has to stop somewhere, somehow," he told the ABS-CBN News upon learning the verdict.
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Kuwait Couple,, GOOD FOR
Kuwait Couple,, GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
Filipino family begging for help
I am looking for a venue to be heard. And in my desperation for help, i am posting it here! I am a representation of a mom in each household, regardless of religion, race or social status, who cries for help from her filipino nation that something just and fair can happen. They say leave the mercy to God, oh yes i am begging for a miracle: sabi nga nila nasa tao and gawa, nasa Diyos ang awa! But the laws that's restricting my daughter to have her dad by her side on her last day of existence is man made. And it's inhumane to deprive her of such right. Me, my kids, my family believe that your network can make a difference to make this miracle happen!
This is my letter to the US Ctitizenship and Immigration Services:I am wholeheartedly hoping and praying that you take the time to read through this letter, as we are in desperate need of your help in granting my husband's permission to enter the United States.
My husband, Von Ryan Mendoza had applied for a nonimmigrant visa three times at the US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. His first application was in October 2009, when he intended to accompany myself and our children to immigrate here to the U.S. He was denied. He applied again in April of last year when our youngest daughter, Vea Riana Mendoza, underwent open heart surgery for congenital heart defects at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. He was, once again, denied. His final application occurred on February 17, 2012 in his attempt to see our daughter for one last time. She passed away February 12, 2012 at the age of 3, without ever having seen her father again. He was denied. All three denials were due to strict immigration laws.
I am begging that a Humanitarian Parole be granted to my husband. Our family is willing to do all means possible, including putting my Permanent Resident status as well as those of my children, in order to assure U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that my husband will return to the Philippines. My husband has been nothing but a good citizen without any criminal records. He is in good standing at his employment as well as the community. All we ask is that my husband be able to attend his daughter's funeral services.
From the inner core of my heart comes a crying mother, begging for our family be together during this time of grief. In your mind, can you picture a grieving father who has been deprived the chance to see, talk, or feel his 3-year-old daughter, who is willing to do everything he can to be with her even just for a day?
I pray you find the most sought sympathy and help for our family.