Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Abu Salem's Release: What the Courts and Government Say
Abu Salem, a gangster, was brought back to India from Portugal in 2005.
He was promised he wouldn't be jailed for more than 25 years.
Now, he wants out of jail early, saying he deserves time off for good behavior.
However, the courts say he has to stay in jail until 2030 to keep the promise made to Portugal.
He was involved in the 1993 Mumbai bombings.
Even though he was sentenced to life in prison, the deal with Portugal means he can't be in jail longer than 25 years, but without any early release for good behavior.
Abu Salem, extradited in 2005, seeks early release from prison.
India assured Portugal he wouldn't face the death penalty or over 25 years in jail.
Salem was sentenced to life for the 1993 Bombay blasts and a murder.
Salem claims he's entitled to remission, potentially allowing release by 2025.
Courts and the Maharashtra government state he must serve until 2030 to fulfill the 25-year term agreement.
- Who
- Abu Salem, the Maharashtra government, and the courts.
- What
- Abu Salem's bid for early release from prison.
- When
- Salem was extradited in 2005; the current legal battle ongoing.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- Salem is seeking early release based on remission, the state government insists on his 25-year term commitment.
Abu Salem's Perspective
Government/Court Perspective
Remission
Abu Salem's Perspective
Argues for early release based on remission and time served.
Government/Court Perspective
The State maintains that Salem must serve the full 25 years due to the agreement made with Portugal and that the remission does not apply.
- Extradition Year
- 2005
- Crimes
- 1993 Bombay blasts, murder
- Sentence
- Life imprisonment
- Agreement with Portugal
- No death penalty or over 25 years in jail
- Potential Release Date
- 2030