Oman's Grand Mufti to mull verdicts on US, German women in murder cases

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2004

MUSCAT (AFP) — An Omani court referred its secret verdicts in two separate murder cases involving German and American women to the grand mufti, who has the final word on their fate and which could involve a death sentence.

The criminal court reached a verdict against Dana Gerlish, a physiotherapist, and her wheelchair-bound Omani alleged lover, both in their 30s, who were accused of murdering her father, a court source told AFP after the brief session.

The verdict will only be made public on July 17, said the source, requesting anonymity.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalili has 60 days to "look into the case and give his opinion," before it can be publicised, the source said.

The mufti is authorised either to uphold the sentence or...