Kashmiri Engineer jailed in Saudi: EAM Jaishankar responds to JKSA; Says Consular access granted, health stable

SRINAGAR: The office of Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has responded to a request from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), which sought urgent intervention for the repatriation of a Kashmiri engineer languishing in a Saudi Arabian jail.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 concerning terror activities and for allegedly circulating objectionable videos on social media."Khuehami further said that Under Secretary Bibhuti Nath Pandey from the External Affairs Minister’s office briefed them about the legal proceedings in the case. Initially, Baba was sentenced to 11 years in prison. However, following an appeal filed by both Baba and the Public Prosecution, the appeal court revised the sentence to 31 years under the relevant laws.

His case is currently pending before 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 Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has reiterated its demand and 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 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.