Kashmiri Engineer lodged in Dammam Intelligence Jail, health stable: JKSA

EAM Jaishankar responds to JKSA appeal; says consular access granted.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 07 (STC): The office of Union External Affairs Minister
Dr. S. Jaishankar has responded to a request from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), seeking his urgent intervention for repatriation of a Kashmiri engineer jailed in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, JKSA National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said, “We have been informed by the External Affairs Minister’s office that our Embassy in Riyadh has conveyed details regarding Shri Abdul Rafi Baba, a resident of Srinagar district in Jammu & Kashmir. He has been imprisoned in Dammam Intelligence Jail since March 1, 2022, on charges related to cybercrimes concerned with terror activities and for allegedly circulating objectionable videos on social media.”
Khuehami further disclosed that Under Secretary Bibhuti Nath Pandey from the External Affairs Minister’s office informed them about the legal proceedings in the case.
According to the JKSA president, initially, Baba was sentenced to 11 years in prison. However, following an appeal filed both by Baba and the Public Prosecution, the appeal court revised the sentence to 31 years under the relevant laws. His case is currently pending in the Saudi Supreme Court.
The Under Secretary, as per JKSA statement also confirmed that consular access has been granted multiple times, with visits conducted on May 3, 2021, September 6, 2022, February 20, 2023, September 5, 2023, and most recently on September 11, 2024.
“During these visits, Baba informed officials that he remains in contact with his family in India, speaking with them once a week. He appears to be in good health and has not reported any issues related to food, shelter, or basic needs, under Secretary told JKSA.
Meanwhile, the JKSA has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to explore all possible diplomatic avenues to ensure a fair trial and facilitate Baba’s repatriation. The Association has also requested the Union External Affairs Minister to take up the issue with the Saudi authorities.
Expressing hope for swift action, the Association stated that the MEA must act promptly to bring Baba back home. Khuehami added that Baba’s father has only one wish—to see his son free before his time runs out. The family’s prolonged suffering has now reached a breaking point. (STC)