The Religious Policeman

Well, it's the other way round, actually. Interactive executions came first.

It works like this. If the person is being executed for murder, and you are a close relative of the victim, you can pardon the murderer and opt for "blood money" instead. And you can do that at any point up to the swing of the sword blade.

Last-Minute Pardon Saves Youth From Executioner’s Sword

TABUK, 28 March 2004 — The execution of a murderer was averted with only moments to spare in the crowded execution square here, according to a local press report.

The executioner was about to do his duty when the father of the murder victim, Ayed ibn Muhammad Sabr, shouted at police to stop the execution of Abdul Kareem Al-Ghoraid, 20, because he forgave him.

The killer had spent five years in prison, where he memorized the Qur’an.

Joy and tears mingled as the family of Abdul Kareem prayed for the father and thanked him for forgiving their son.

Timing is everything. Too early and you don't get enough tension built up and released. Too late...and it could be too late.