Kozhikode, July 9:The Saudi Appeals Court has upheld the 20-year prison sentence handed down to Abdul Raheem, a native of Feroke, Kozhikode, Kerala, who has been incarcerated in Saudi Arabia since 2006.
The lower criminal court in Riyadh had sentenced Raheem to 20 years’ imprisonment on May 26, 2025, under public rights charges, following the revocation of an earlier death sentence. The prosecution had filed an appeal seeking a more severe punishment. However, in a sitting held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. local time, the Appeals Court confirmed the lower court’s verdict without any modifications.
Plea for Early Release Rejected
During the hearing, Raheem’s legal team submitted a plea for his early release, noting that he has already served over 19 years in prison. The court, however, declined the request, stating that the matter could only be reconsidered by approaching the Court of Cassation, the highest judicial authority in Saudi Arabia.
Representation at the Hearing
The virtual court session was attended by:
Raheem’s defense lawyer,
Savad Yusuf, representative of the Indian Embassy in Riyadh,
Siddique Thuvvur, a representative of Raheem’s family.
Despite the court’s decision, the representatives expressed hope for a favorable outcome through further legal avenues.
Community Response
Following the verdict, the Riyadh Rahim Support Committee issued a statement expressing disappointment over the rejection of the early release plea. However, the group acknowledged that the confirmation of the lower court’s decision at least provides clarity on the next steps in the legal process.
Case Background
Abdul Raheem was arrested in 2006 in connection with a criminal case that initially resulted in a death sentence. After the sentence was revoked, the case was transferred under public rights, allowing a maximum prison term of 20 years.
With Raheem having served more than 19 years, his family and support groups had hoped for a humanitarian release, particularly in light of his long incarceration and good conduct during his imprisonment.
Next Legal Step
Raheem’s legal team is now expected to file an appeal before the Court of Cassation. If accepted, the case could undergo one final judicial review.
