MONTREAL - The uncle of two young Canadian men who could be beheaded in Saudi Arabia following the death of a Syrian teen in a school brawl has appealed to the victim's family.
"We've always tried to extend our hand and tried to reach to them and try to express our grief to them," Raouf Shantaf told The Canadian Press on Friday.
"We still would like to sit at a table with them or discuss with them the matter and see a way out from the courts -- if there is any way out with them."
He also pointed out that it was the holy month of Ramadan "where Muslims try to forgive and be closer to each other."
"So we extend this request to them during this holy month and we hope that we get a comment or a reply back from them on that request."
Sultan Kohail and his older brother Mohamed were charged after a schoolyard brawl in January 2007 that involved dozens of teenage boys. The victim died of internal injuries.
Mohamed was convicted of murder and Sultan faced similar charges but is free on bail pending an appeal. His brother's case is also under appeal but he remains in jail.
The pair claim the Saudi judicial system has not afforded them a fair hearing.
Shantaf added that efforts have been made to try to contact the family of the victim, Munzer Al-Haraki, but they have not been successful.
He also said an Arab newspaper has reported Mueen Al-Haraki, the victim's father, indicated he might offer clemency.
But that would only happen in return for a public admission of guilt by the brothers and an apology from the Kohail family.
"We don't have a comment on this because we don't know what will be the final decision of the appeal court," Shantaf said.
That decision could come as early as next week.
Ali Kohail, the father of the two brothers, said in an interview that he would like to talk to Al-Haraki.
"I need to talk to him and discuss this situation with him face to face," he said.
But Kohail continues to insist his sons are innocent.
Sultan Kohail, 18, complained in an interview from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, about the lack of help from the Canadian government.
"They're just talking. Up until now they've done nothing and we hope that they do something."
Kohail said a Canadian government representative visits his 23-year-old jailed brother "every month or so."
He also said the official, Omar Sawari, has visited him every two or three months.
"He just asks me 'Do you feel good? What do you eat? You look bad, you look sad'. That's it. He doesn't say anything more," Kohail added.
He hopes the expected federal election campaign, which might begin Sunday, may serve as a cataylst to prompt the government to act.
"We heard about that (the election). I hope that they do something," he said.
The press secretary for Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson said consular officials are providing assistance and support.
"They're remaining in constant contact with the Kohail family and their legal team," Lynn Meahan said.
She also pointed out that two cabinet ministers have raised the case with senior officials in the Saudi government.
