Riyadh: The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has cleared the path for Abdul Rahim, a native of Kozhikode, Kerala, to be released after nearly two decades in prison. The court rejected an appeal seeking a stricter sentence in connection with a 2006 murder case, upholding the lower court ruling.
Rahim was arrested in November 2006 for the fatal stabbing of Saudi teenager Anas Al Fayiz. In 2012, he was sentenced to death. The sentence was overturned last year under Saudi Arabia’s private rights law after the victim’s family accepted blood money of 15 million Saudi Riyals and pardoned Rahim.
Despite the private settlement, Rahim remained in custody under public rights provisions, which address crimes deemed harmful to society. Over the past year, courts held 13 hearings to examine this aspect of his sentence. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the prosecution’s appeal removes the final legal obstacle.
Legal experts expect Rahim to be released by May 2026, pending completion of procedural requirements. The Rahim Legal Aid Committee, which has worked closely with Indian and Saudi authorities, expressed gratitude for the support from both governments and individuals throughout the long legal process.
Although Rahim’s original 20-year sentence formally ends in December 2026, the Supreme Court verdict makes early release possible. The case has drawn significant attention in India and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the complexities of criminal sentencing involving both private and public rights.
For Rahim and his supporters, the ruling offers long-awaited hope and marks a turning point in a legal journey spanning nearly two decades.
