Srinagar: In the case of a Kashmiri engineer languishing in a Saudi Arabian jail, the office of the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has said that he has been granted consular access.
In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) here said, “We have been informed by the External Affairs Minister’s office that our Embassy in Riyadh has conveyed details regarding 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.”
JKSA said that Under Secretary Bibhuti Nath Pandey from the External Affairs Minister’s office informed them about the legal proceedings in the case. 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 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, the Under Secretary added.
The JKSA said it 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 requested the 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.
