A prominent Syrian businessman has criticised the three-year prison sentence handed to the teenager who fatally shot Roudi Shmali during a failed robbery in May 2023.

“He did nothing to deserve being killed this way,” said Tony, voicing frustration over what he and others see as a lenient punishment.

The teen, who was 16 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty earlier this year and received the maximum sentence allowed under Antigua and Barbuda’s juvenile laws. Now 18, he will receive credit for 550 days already served.

His release conditions include a curfew and regular police check-ins. Authorities will monitor compliance and may revisit the sentence if breached.

The case has stirred anger within the local Syrian community, with many calling for tougher sentencing. Another suspect, believed to be in his twenties, is still awaiting arraignment.