Abdul Rahim Escapes Death, Faces 20-Year Sentence

International News: A Saudi court subsequently overturned his death sentence, but he was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the Human Rights Act. Now, following the Supreme Court's decision, Abdul Rahim's sentence will remain unchanged. It is believed he could be released within the next year, as he has already spent more than 19 years in prison.

Nimisha in jail since 2017

This case bears a striking resemblance to that of nurse Nimisha Priya, who is currently facing the death penalty in a Yemeni prison. In 2017, the body of Nimisha's partner, Mahdi, was found in a water tank. Mahdi is accused of murdering the Yemeni national, and a blood money offer is being planned for his release.

Abdul Rahim's case proves that if the victim's family accepts blood money, the death penalty can be avoided, even if some other legal punishment remains. Many groups in India and NRIs are also trying to raise blood money in support of Nimisha Priya.

Why Abdul punished?

Abdul worked for a man in Saudi Arabia. In 2006, Abdul's hand accidentally touched a boy's life support device, resulting in his death. Following this incident, he was imprisoned. The Riyadh Criminal Court sentenced him to 20 years in prison on May 26, 2024, a sentence upheld by the appellate court on July 9.