A Dubai court has slashed the prison terms for two men convicted in the 2009 slaying of a former Chechen warlord from life to just three years in a surprise ruling.
The Dubai Appeals Court judge gave no immediate reason for the decision, but the family of the slain Chechen strongman, Sulim Yamadayev, had submitted a letter disavowing any desire for further punishments in connection with the killing.
Four other suspects remain at large.
The decision by the appeals court judge could allow the two inmates -- from Iran and Tajikistan -- to go free in early 2012, counting time already served in prison.
They were convicted in April of helping plan the March 2009 slaying of Yamadayev, who was living in Dubai under an alias.
compiled from agency reports
The Dubai Appeals Court judge gave no immediate reason for the decision, but the family of the slain Chechen strongman, Sulim Yamadayev, had submitted a letter disavowing any desire for further punishments in connection with the killing.
Four other suspects remain at large.
The decision by the appeals court judge could allow the two inmates -- from Iran and Tajikistan -- to go free in early 2012, counting time already served in prison.
They were convicted in April of helping plan the March 2009 slaying of Yamadayev, who was living in Dubai under an alias.
compiled from agency reports