Saudi court again delays release of Kozhikode man, family disappointed


Kozhikode, Dec 8 (IANS): The family and friends of Abdul Rahim expressed deep disappointment on Sunday after the Riyadh Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia once again delayed its ruling on his release petition. 

Rahim has been imprisoned for the past 18 years in connection with the death of a Saudi boy. 

On Sunday, the court postponed its decision after accepting arguments opposing the public prosecution’s case. 

The hearing was adjourned, and the date for the next hearing is expected to be announced soon, according to the Abdul Rahim Legal Assistance Committee. 

Notably, Rahim’s death sentence was commuted on July 2 after the deceased’s family agreed to accept compensation. 

The committee had raised 15 million Saudi riyals (approximately Rs 34 crore) through what is believed to be the largest crowdfunding effort in Kerala’s history. 

The funds were transferred on May 23 to an account set up by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 

On April 15, the committee formally informed the Saudi court that the compensation amount had been arranged. 

The court, in turn, notified the family of the deceased, who agreed to accept the blood money and grant Rahim a pardon. 

A cheque for 15 million Saudi riyals was handed over to the family’s advocate. 

However, Rahim’s release has been delayed because the case concerning the public offence remains unresolved. 

On November 17, a new judicial bench postponed the verdict for another two weeks, further prolonging the uncertainty. 

Even after a release order is issued, it will require approval from the higher court and the governorate before Rahim can be a free man again. 

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has already arranged all necessary travel documents for Rahim’s return to India. 

Abdul Rahim, an auto driver from Feroke, Kozhikode, travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2006 in search of better opportunities. 

He was employed as a driver for Saudi national Abdulla Abdurahman Al Shahri and was also responsible for the care of his differently-abled son, Anas Al Shahri. 

While driving one day, a device that helped the boy breathe accidentally fell inside the car, causing the boy to lose consciousness and die. 

Despite it being an accident, Rahim was charged with murder and sentenced to death under Saudi law. This verdict was later revised after the boy’s family agreed to accept blood money. The Abdul Rahim Legal Assistance Committee has vowed to continue its efforts to secure his release.

 



 

 

 

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • Sunilla Shetty, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 09 2024

    An unfortunate and sad incident. I emphathize with Abdul Rahims near and dear ones. Time and again, we have been reminded that of the fact that , No foreigners , European or Middle Eastern have acknowledged that Indians are their 'bretheren' , based on religion. No matter how much we have screamed or tried to discriminate.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 09 2024

    Why do the Muslims or Christians need their acknowledgement?

    DisAgree [6] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunilla Shetty, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 09 2024

    You have to ask the ones , who equate themselves to Westerners or Arabs on the basis of religion. Perhaps, assuming to be descendents .

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Navneeth, Mangalore

    Mon, Dec 09 2024

    Rakesh,, I guess your are new to this forum.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Mon, Dec 09 2024

    this man has caused death of a handicapped boy who was under his care ... court has awarded death penalty for this crime ... this crime cannot be washed away by giving money to the killed boy's family ... can a sin be washed away by money ...

    DisAgree [21] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Sun, Dec 08 2024

    Its very very sad case-Now even after arranging money and handing over by check delay again .Arrested must be now feeling like each days delay more dead than alive.Even with money or if they demand his death ,will the dead son come back to them?Why this hardness ?Are they not humans?Only money is everything for the family?Pray he comes free very soon and unite with his family.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • M.Mathias, Mangalore

    Sun, Dec 08 2024

    Saudi Arabia and other musim countries are not good for living people except Tajikistan & U.A.E.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya., Belman / Washington, DC.

    Sun, Dec 08 2024

    When you follow a book which was written 1200 years before ....and nothing could be changed from it no matter what.....this will happens.....What was good and fair before 1200 years ago....not necessarily work out now....we need to change as time passes....I don't blame anybody here....if you go there to work be prepared to these harsh realities....Tak...Takk...

    DisAgree [18] Agree [51] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mbeary, Dxb

    Mon, Dec 09 2024

    Commonsense will tell u that if u consider a book as a holy scriptures, it should hold good with the test of time. If not, it's just a storybook.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse


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