A Man Released Early from Saudi Jail Thanks to Amnesty and Support…
A 66-year-old, Ahmed Imran (changed name), from a town in Mangalore, Karnataka, who was serving a three-year jail term in Saudi Arabia, was granted premature release under the Kingdom’s National Day amnesty.
Ahmed Imran (changed name), a driver in Jeddah, expressed profound gratitude to the humanitarian leadership of Saudi Arabia and to those who worked tirelessly for his release.
Incident and Arrest:
Ahmed’s employer was very good & cordial with the man. He was very cooperative & helpful towards the man.
The unfortunate incident occurred in September 2023 while he washing his employer’s car, was repeatedly harassed by a neighborhood boy known for his mischief. The boy is staying just fews meters away from his room & employer’s room.
Out of frustration, he pushed the boy away after days of enduring disturbances. Although he had previously reported the boy’s behavior to his father, no action was taken. The boy, however, complained to his father with an exaggerated version of the incident. The father lodged a police complaint, which led to his arrest. He was sentenced to three years in jail. Due to financial constraints, he could not hire a defense lawyer or appeal the judgment in upper court.
Legal and Community Efforts:
His family and local leaders in Karnataka sought the assistance of Riyadh-based pro-bono lawyer and social worker, Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, originally from Udupi. Dr. Hameed, known for his dedication to the welfare of expatriates, took up the case with his Saudi legal team and explored various avenues to resolve the matter. Efforts were made to negotiate with the complainant, but he didn’t heed to his requests.
Recognizing the private nature of the case, Dr. Hameed advised the family to send a mercy request with the authorities as a last resort. With consistent follow-ups, his name was slated in the National Day amnesty program, a testament to the visionary and compassionate leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Role of the Kingdom’s Leadership:
The release underscores the commitment of Saudi Arabia’s great leadership to justice, fairness, and humanity. Through its amnesty programs, the Kingdom has given countless individuals a second chance, reflecting its values of compassion and clemency. His premature release was a direct result of these progressive policies, aimed at fostering unity and goodwill.
A Joyous Reunion:
He was released within a year of his sentence, bringing immense relief to his family. Upon his return to India, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for their benevolent leadership and the amnesty initiative.
He also extended his sincere thanks to his sponsor based in Jeddah and Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Mr. K.S. Nasir Asaigoli (a prominent social worker and youth leader from Mangalore) and Mr. Azhar Jeddah, who provided constant support and assistance throughout the ordeal.
His release highlights the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles, leaving a lasting example of leadership, justice and mercy.