Kozhikode native Abdul Rahim's release case to be re-considered on February 2

Riyadh: The case for the release of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kodampuzha, Farook, Kozhikode, who has been imprisoned in Riyadh’s Iskan jail for the past 18 years, will be taken up for consideration on February 2, 2025. The news was conveyed by Rahim to the support committee working on his behalf.

Initially, it was anticipated that the Riyadh Criminal Court would issue an order for Rahim’s release during the last hearing. However, the court has postponed its decision once again, marking the sixth delay in the case. The previous session, held on January 15, lasted approximately an hour but concluded without a definitive verdict. The court cited the need for further study before rescheduling the case to February 2.

Abdul Rahim was arrested in November 2006 in connection with the murder of a Saudi child and later sentenced to death by the Riyadh court. However, the death penalty was waived following the payment of diya (blood money) amounting to 1.5 crore Saudi Riyals (over ₹34 crore).

Despite the settlement, Rahim remains in prison due to unresolved public rights issues linked to the case. Over the years, the Riyadh Criminal Court has delayed its ruling on his release multiple times, with the latest postponement occurring after a review on January 15, 2025.