A Saudi Arabian national from Kozhikode, Abdurrahim, spent a hard lesson behind bars in Saudi Arabia for eighteen years until funds were raised in Kerala amounting to INR340 million.
On Tuesday Riyadh Criminal Court quashed his death sentence, so he may be released soon.
The court also gave a check of 15 million Saudi riyals as blood money to lawyers of the family of the disabled boy who died when Raheem’s hand accidentally hit the life support tube in the boy’s throat.
Court Rahim, a driver and janitor was found guilty of killing the son.
According to his family before the court they would accept blood money instead of him being pardoned.
Chairman Suresh Legal Aid Committee said that it was an important event to get Rahim out finally. He added that once the case is over for sure then another one will be done on paper ordering release from prison.
“We expect Raheem will be freed within two weeks,” he said
Saudi Arabian authorities will issue an order releasing him once it is ready which will then be sent through their embassy here and his flight arranged by them back home.
Hailing from Kodampuzha near Ferok, Rahim had gone to Gulf country in November 2006 to work with Saudi citizen Abdulla Abdurahman Al Shahri. Now he drives for their family and also looks after their disabled son Anas Al Shahri.
Within a month of reaching Saudi Arabia, Rahim got stung as he tried comforting Anas whose condition had deteriorated during their travel hence hitting the tube supporting his breathing attached on him mistakenly.
After losing consciousness Anas died and Raheem was sentenced with murder by Riyadh Court which imposed death penalty on him too. In April this year people across Kerala and beyond contributed Diya funds through crowdfunding making this an exceptional demonstration of kindness and solidarity.