Release of Abdul Rahim likely to be delayed, Saudi court to consider case after two weeks

RIYADH: The release of Abdul Rahim of Kodumpuzha in Kozhikode, jailed in Saudi Arabia, is likely to be delayed. The Saudi Court did not pronounce the verdict on his release plea. The court will consider the case again after two weeks. Rahim had been languishing in jail for the last 18 years.

Rahim's mother Fathima responded that her son should be brought home as early as possible. Fathima had gone to Saudi a few days ago and met her son in jail.

Rahim was sentenced to death in 2006 in the murder case of his sponsor Abdurahman Al Shahri’s disabled son Anas Al Shahri. The Riyadh Criminal Court canceled his death sentence after Anas Al Shahri’s family informed the court of their willingness to grant pardon to Rahim by accepting blood money.

Bobby Chemmannur, who noticed the issue, was in the forefront to collect relief funds for his release. Malayalees all over the world donated money for his release in 2023. A trust formed for this collected a total amount of more than Rs 47 crore for this purpose. Abdul Rahim was forgiven by the Saudi boy's family after a charity of Rs 34 crore was handed over to them. Now awaiting the order for his release.