Kerala native Abdul Rahim to be freed from Saudi jail in 2026 after 18 years

Riyadh: Abdul Rahim, a native of Farook in Kozhikode district, is set to walk free in December 2026 after spending nearly two decades in Riyadh Central Jail in Saudi Arabia. His official date of release has been confirmed as December 2026, meaning he has just over a year left to serve.

Rahim has been behind bars since November 2006, when he was arrested in connection with the death of a Saudi child. Initially sentenced to death by a Riyadh court, his capital punishment was later revoked after the victim’s family agreed to pardon him upon receiving diya, or blood money, amounting to 1.5 crore Saudi Riyals — a sum exceeding ₹34 crore.

How it all happened

Abdul Rahim, travelled to Riyadh on November 28, 2006, at the age of 26 on a house driver visa. He was then employed to care for Anas, the son of his sponsor, Fayiz Abdullah Abdurahman Al-Shahri. Anas, who was paralysed below the neck, depended on a specialised device for food and water.

On December 24, 2006, the incident that led to the case occurred. While driving Anas in a GMC van from their home in Riyadh’s Shifa area, Rahim accidentally struck the device fitted to Anas's neck. The device, which was used to feed Anas, dislodged, causing loss of consciousness. Continuing their journey, Rahim noticed the boy was unresponsive and found him motionless upon inspection.

Long legal battle

Following Anas's death, Rahim faced multiple court rulings, with the death penalty being issued three times. Anas's family initially insisted on capital punishment, but later agreed to pardon Rahim in exchange for blood money after mediation efforts.

The case, considered highly sensitive within the Kingdom, has seen repeated delays in judicial proceedings. His case had been postponed 12 times.

Rahim, has been supported by the Riyadh Raheem Support Committee throughout his imprisonment. The group confirmed the new release date and stated that more details regarding his repatriation and final legal formalities will be shared in due course.