Abdul Rahim's release possible next year: Saudi Supreme Court rejects prosecution's petition seeking death penalty

RIYADH: Kozhikode Feroke native Abdul Rahim, who is in a Saudi prison, is certain to be released next year. The prosecution's petition seeking a longer sentence for Abdul Rahim, who was released from death row, has been rejected. The Saudi Supreme Court has upheld the lower court's verdict and ordered the release. The court upheld the argument that a 20-year prison sentence is adequate. No further action will be taken against Rahim with the rejection of the petition. Rahim may be released next year after completing his prison term.

Abdul Rahim is in a Saudi prison for the accidental death of a teenager in 2006. Abdul Rahim's death sentence was cancelled on July 2 after the family of the deceased Saudi boy was paid the blood money of 1.5 million Saudi riyals (approximately Rs 34 crore). The court then sentenced him to 20 years in prison. The case will complete 20 years in December 2026. The final verdict was under consideration by the Supreme Court. Abdul Rahim's lawyers had filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the prosecution's appeal. Abdul Rahim's lawyers, Rena and Abu Faisal, and the power of attorney Siddique Tuvvur were present in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to complete the proceedings of the case.