Conviction for Cyber Crimes Linked to Terrorism : External Affairs Ministry Dr. S. Jaishankar
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Feb 06: Days after the desperate plea of a Srinagar family sought justice after four years of their engineer son’s imprisonment in Saudi Arabia, the office of Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar responded to a letter from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association. It stated, “Our Embassy in Riyadh has conveyed that Shri Abdul Rafi Baba, holder of Passport No. S7725981, hailing from the Srinagar District of Jammu & Kashmir, has been imprisoned in Dammam Intelligence Jail since 01.03.2022 on charges of cyber-related crimes concerning terror activities and for allegedly circulating objectionable videos on social media.”
According to a statement from the Students Association issued to Kashmir Despatch, Shri Abdul Rafi Baba was initially sentenced to 11 years of imprisonment. After filing an appeal against the judgment by both Shri Abdul Rafi Baba and the 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 currently pending in the Supreme Court.
Under Secretary Bibhuti Nath Pandey informed the 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 informed that he is in touch with his family members back in India and calls them once a week. He appears to be in good health and is not facing any problems regarding food and shelter,” the Under Secretary said.
Earlier this week, speaking to Kashmir Despatch, Manzoor ul Haq Baba, Rafi’s father, stated that his son had been working in Saudi Arabia since 2013. He mentioned that the family is still unaware of the reason behind their son’s detention.
Manzoor stated that his son was arrested from his workplace; however, they still do not know the reason for his arrest.
It has been two years since their daughter-in-law returned home, despite her efforts to fight for her husband’s justice. When she lost all hope there, she decided to come back to Kashmir.
He expressed that they have no idea what the allegations against him are.
“I have written several letters to Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, but I haven’t received a single response yet. I feel helpless,” he said, urging both the central and state governments to step in and help him fight for justice in his son’s case.
Following the Srinagar family’s plea, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association also wrote to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging him to intervene in the distressing case of Abdul Rafi Baba.
The Association has sought immediate diplomatic engagement with the Saudi government to ensure a fair investigation into his case and facilitate his safe return to India.
Earleir this week Kashmir Member of Parliament, Ruhullah Mehdi also made an urgent appeal to External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar regarding the detention of a Kashmiri citizen in Saudi Arabia.
In his letter, Mehdi urged immediate intervention to expedite the individual’s release and ensure his safe return home.
