Riyadh: Saudi authorities have signed the release order of Abdul Rahim, a Kozhikode native, who had been imprisoned in Riyadh for nearly 20 years in connection with the death of a 15 years old Saudi boy. The information was confirmed by the Abdul Rahim Legal Aid Committee on Tuesday.

The committee said the remaining procedures are related to immigration clearance required for Rahim to leave Saudi Arabia. It also confirmed that he has received an exit visa. Efforts are under way to bring him back to Kerala as early as possible, with attempts being made to arrange his return today itself.

Arrested in 2006, later sentenced to death

Rahim was arrested by Saudi police in November 2006 in connection with the death of a Saudi boy. Following the trial, a court in Riyadh sentenced him to death.

The case was linked to an incident involving the physically disabled son of Rahim’s sponsor. Rahim had travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2006 after securing a job as a driver.

Although the incident was later understood to have been caused by an unintentional mistake and not a deliberate act, Rahim was awarded the death sentence during the legal proceedings.

Death sentence cancelled after diyah payment

Rahim was later spared execution after Malayalis across the world came together to raise nearly Rs 34 crore as diyah (blood money), or compensation money, for the victim’s family.

After the amount was paid, the Riyadh Criminal Court ruled that Rahim would still have to serve a prison sentence under Saudi public law.

With the completion of that prison term, Rahim’s release has now become possible.

Legal aid committee coordinated efforts

The case had drawn widespread attention among expatriate Malayali communities and humanitarian groups, many of whom supported the large-scale fundraising campaign for Rahim.

With the release order now signed and exit formalities nearing completion, Rahim is expected to return home soon.