Kashmiri engineer Abdul Rafi Baba is imprisoned in Saudi Arabia on charges of cyber-crimes concerned with terror activities and for allegedly circulating some objectionable videos on social media, according to the J&K Students' Association, citing a communication from India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's office.
J&K Students Association had written to the External Affairs Minister urging him to intervene in the distressing case of Baba. The Association had sought immediate diplomatic engagement with the Saudi government to ensure a fair investigation into his case and facilitate his safe return to India.
Baba, a resident of Srinagar's Soura, according to his family was arrested in early March, 2022 while he was working at the King Faisal University, Hafoof Al Hasa.
"Our Embassy in Riyadh has conveyed that Shri Abdul Rafi Baba, holder of Passport No. S7725981, hailing from Srinagar District of Jammu & Kashmir, is undergoing imprisonment in Dammam Intelligence jail since 01.03.2022 on charges of cyber related crimes concerned with terror activities and for allegedly circulating some objectionable videos on social media,” the communication from the office of EAM to J&K Students Association said.
“Initially, he was sentenced for a period of 11 years imprisonment. After filing appeal against the judgment by Shri Abdul Rafi Baba as well as Public Prosecution, the appeal court pronounced another verdict sentencing him to 31 years of imprisonment under the relevant articles and sections of the concerned laws. His case is pending in Supreme Court,’ the communication said.
“Under Secretary Bibhuti Nath Pandey informed Association that, Consular Access has been provided to Mr. Abdul Rafi Baba on 03.05.2021, 06.09.2022, 20.02.2023, 05.09.2023 and 11.09.2024. During the Consular Access, he has informed that he is in touch with his family members back in India and calls them once in a week. He appears to be in good health. He is not facing any problems with regard to food and shelter" the office of EAM said.
Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Ruhullah Mehdi, had also written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking his immediate intervention for the release of a Kashmiri engineer imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for several years.(UNI)
