Kerala saw one of its most significant crowdfunding campaigns, raising around Rs 34 crore to secure the release of a Kozhikode native imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. Initiated by the Legal Action Committee, the effort aimed to free Abdul Rahim, who had been sentenced to death for the unintentional killing of a boy in Saudi Arabia, where he had been incarcerated for 18 years.
In the face of relentless hate campaigns targeting Kerala, the indomitable spirit of Malayalis shines through, upholding together Kerala’s resilience and compassion.
Abdul Rahim’s story, a Keralite facing execution in Saudi Arabia, symbolizes this resistance. With 34 crore… pic.twitter.com/59g16tQ6oJ
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) April 12, 2024
Abdul Rahim, originally from Kozhikode, traveled to Riyadh in 2006 on a house driver visa. In addition to his responsibilities as a driver, he also provided care for a differently-abled Saudi boy.
During one of their journeys, Rahim and the boy encountered an accident that led to the unintentional detachment of the life-support device attached to the child. Despite Rahim’s attempts to prevent any harm, unfortunately, the boy passed away due to the accident.
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The funds raised in India will be transferred to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh through the Ministry of External Affairs, enabling Rahim’s release.
To ensure transparent fundraising, the committee introduced the ‘SAVEABDULRAHIM’ app, through which over Rs 30 crore was collected. Influencers, NRIs, businessmen, and social activists spearheaded the campaign, coming together to advocate for Rahim’s return home after 18 years of incarceration.
In response to the news, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that it was a resolute affirmation that the state stands as a bastion of brotherhood, impervious to the divisive forces of communalism.
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