12 April 2024
In a remarkable humanitarian effort in Kerala, a collective of individuals raised ₹34 crore to secure the release of Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode who has spent 18 years on death row in a Saudi Arabian prison. The fundraising surpassed its target just three days before Rahim’s scheduled execution.
The action committee, responsible for this initiative, made the announcement during a press conference, expressing immense gratitude to all who participated in the crowdfunding. Besides contributions from Keralites, Malayalis residing in Riyadh organized a Biriyani challenge to boost fundraising efforts.
Using a mobile app named ‘SAVEABDULRAHIM’, the committee facilitated crowdfunding, while many individuals also directly contacted the committee to offer support. Within four days, the committee had amassed ₹24 crore.
Rahim’s residence became the hub for this initiative, with more people continuing to contribute until the required amount was met. Once the target was achieved, the committee urged people to refrain from further donations.
Abdul Rahim, formerly an auto driver from Feroke, Kozhikode, sought employment prospects in Saudi Arabia in 2006. He worked as a house-driver in Riyadh, responsible for the care of a 15-year-old boy with disabilities within the household.
The tragic incident occurred during a car ride with the boy. At a traffic signal, the boy insisted on Rahim moving the car despite a red light. When Rahim refused, the situation escalated as the boy physically attacked him. In the struggle, Rahim accidentally dislodged a medical device the boy relied on to breathe, causing the boy’s unconsciousness and subsequent death.
In 2018, Rahim was sentenced to death under Saudi law for murder, as the boy’s family declined to grant clemency. The appeals court upheld this ruling in 2022, which was later affirmed by the country’s Supreme Court.
Currently, Rahim’s execution has been temporarily halted by the court following an agreement with the deceased boy’s family to accept ‘diya’ (blood money) instead. The agreed amount is 15 million Saudi riyals, approximately ₹33.24 crore, which must be paid within six months of the agreement signed on October 16, 2023.
