In the case of a Kashmiri engineer languishing in a Saudi Arabian jail, the office of Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has responded to a letter from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, said that:
“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.
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.
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”; U/S said.