Sri Lankan girl on death row in saudi for the death of baby in her care

**muzna** · 07-17-2007

Nafeek Files Appeal a Day Prior to Deadline
Sarah Abdullah & Mohammed Rasooldeen, Arab News

JEDDAH, 17 July 2007 — Rizana Nafeek, the Sri Lankan maid found guilty a month ago of murdering an infant that was in her care, filed an appeal to the ruling a day before the deadline after the Sri Lankan Embassy stepped into retain legal representation on behalf of the young woman, who faces the prospect of being beheaded publicly for the alleged murder.

She was found guilty by a panel of three Shariah judges on June 16 without legal representation, which is not required under Shariah law.

“We respect the laws of the host country and accordingly we have been following the legal procedures to save this girl from the gallows,” said Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein Bhaila by telephone from Colombo.

According to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia A.M.J. Sadiq, an attorney from the law firm of Kateb Fahad Al-Shammari has been retained by the embassy to represent the case. The lawyers are filing the appeal and claiming that the case is accidental death, which would take execution off the table and leave the penalty a matter of paying blood money.

The lawyer was permitted by prison authorities on Saturday to visit the Dawadami jailhouse and meet with Nafeek for the purpose of escorting her to a notary public in order to acquire a power of attorney. The appeal was won on Sunday, a day before the deadline to appeal. Had the deadline been broken, Nafeek would have faced the imminent prospect of public beheading.

The case against Nafeek has been complicated by the allegation that she was provided forged documents in Sri Lanka that puts her current age at 25. The date of birth on Rafeek’s Lankan birth certificate allegedly has her born in 1988, which would have made her 17 at the time she clams the infant child she was assigned to care for accidentally choked while she was feeding it in May 2005.

At the time the incident took place, Nafeek had been at her new job for two weeks. The parents of the dead child claim that Nafeek strangled the child to death.

“We will also try other avenues to save Rizana’s life by appealing for pardon on humanitarian grounds,” said Bhaila, referring to an appeal for clemency by the child’s family. (Under Shariah law the family can forfeit their private right to see justice by the sword, usually in exchange for blood money.)

After the judges found the housemaid guilty, Naif Jiziyan Khalafal Otaibi, the father of the child and Nafeek’s Saudi sponsor, refused to give up his private right to see Nafeek executed.

Sadiq says that the Lankan Embassy has been monitoring the development of the case since the alleged murder occurred in May 2005. “It’s due to our provision of the necessary consular assistance to Rizana from the outset and our vigilant monitoring of the case that has made the timely filing of the judicial appeal against the death sentence possible,” he said.

Nafeek, who is from a war-torn, impoverished Sri Lankan village and has a ninth-grade education, reportedly arrived in the Kingdom on an altered passport obtained by the employee recruitment office in Sri Lanka. Despite having no previous training in childcare, Rizana (with the Saudi family under the impression she was 23, not 17) was assigned the duty of bottle-feeding the infant.

According to Nafeek she was left alone to feed the child when the boy began to choke. Panicked she says that she began to shout for help. By the time the mother arrived, the infant had expired. The Otaibis accused Nafeek of strangling the child to death and she was turned over to the police of Dawdami, about 380 km outside of Riyadh. According to Saudi authorities, Nafeek withdraw her confession saying she had no translators at the police station, no legal assistance, was under duress and may not have completely understood what she was signing.

Meanwhile, a group of Sri Lankan expatriate wives in Riyadh is planning to meet the mother of the infant to plead for clemency on behalf of Rizana.

“We would like to make a humble appeal on behalf of Rizana who had struck this tragedy hardly after a month’s stay in the Kingdom,” a member of the group said.
The Asian Human Rights Commission said in a statement yesterday that Nafeek’s legal representatives would also prepare appeals to clemency to the infant’s family and to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The embassy has assigned Mohammed Niyas, an embassy staff member, to look after Rizana’s interests as a representative of the Sri Lankan government.

AHRC Executive Director Basil Fernando had earlier publicly condemned the Sri Lankan government for not undertaking the legal costs of the appeal. Fernando said the AHRC footed the first payment of SR50,000 to the law firm Kateb Fahad Al-Shammari. The firm is currently waiting for documents related to the case to be released by the Interior Ministry, after which the lawyers are asking for a second SR50,000 payment. The total lawyer’s fee for the appeal will be SR150,000. The AHRC said two Sri Lankan workers donated $2,500 (SR9,375) and the Netherlands-based Nona Foundation had given $5,400 (SR20,250).

Source : http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&sect...tegory=Kingdom

**Tania** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

I'll still maintain a couple here have lost their young one-- I hope none of you lose your children to an au-pair or an under trained impoverished girl from Sri Lanka, then I think the situation will be very different

It was an accident which happened because the nanny was unqualified. Her first experience.

In my country the justice keep in mind for accidents don't punish the people.
Case 1
The father made an lengthener for the electrical cord to plug the tv. Somehow the 1 + year old son took the cable in his hands and died because of electrocution. How much cost a lengthener for cable. Why the father didn't think his son could play with everything when he is down and near to his bed

He was not punished because was an accident.

Case 2
Yesterday a 3 old child played with a box of matches. The carpet took fire and the 6 month old suffocated because of the smoke. Who is coulpable for this

After the justice the mother who left the 2 kids after their heads. Will she go in jail for that

Nope, because it was an accident.

And i can carry on.
Will the other spouse forgive the one which was coupable for the death of the child

I don't know but the justice forgave them.

**muzna** · 07-26-2007

the punishment for murder is execution..
the girl did not murder the baby..
therefore..this whole case is mental..she shouldnt be on deathrow

**Tania** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by muzna

the punishment for murder is execution..
the girl did not murder the baby..
therefore..this whole case is mental..she shouldnt be on deathrow

Sis i hope the saudi justice correct their error without to be ashamed.

Also, the government should sustain the parents like my country does: here after birth you have 2 years paid vacation only to look after child. Can remain at home the spouse which want to do that (mother or father, doesn't matter). For this they receive monthly a big amounth of money which is above of the medium wage.

**جوري** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by Tania

It was an accident which happened because the nanny was unqualified. Her first experience.

In my country the justice keep in mind for accidents don't punish the people.
Case 1
The father made an lengthener for the electrical cord to plug the tv. Somehow the 1 + year old son took the cable in his hands and died because of electrocution. How much cost a lengthener for cable. Why the father didn't think his son could play with everything when he is down and near to his bed

He was not punished because was an accident.

Case 2
Yesterday a 3 old child played with a box of matches. The carpet took fire and the 6 month old suffocated because of the smoke. Who is coulpable for this

After the justice the mother who left the 2 kids after their heads. Will she go in jail for that

Nope, because it was an accident.

And i can carry on.
Will the other spouse forgive the one which was coupable for the death of the child

I don't know but the justice forgave them.

Quick note, if it is accidental, indeed the father in the case you mentioned wouldn't not have to be punished... I think losing a child and knowing you are somehow responsible is punishment enough!
I can go a little bit into Islamic Jurisprudence with you, but I don't think there is a point for it on this thread.. let's just say it is very much in the parents' hands to grant full reprieve for this young lady w/out even financial compensation as is usually the norm offered for involuntarily man-slaughter... and a trait called (al-7olom) which is more admirable than seeking justice!
I think what needs to be established is a fair trial for this young lady w/out the need to resort to vilify a couple who have just lost their child. Or cutting and pasting articles and this isn't directed at you, about how just the U.S is so just ( same U.S that is declared war on people to steal their oil, and put prisoners in a remote spot without trial, and strips people nude for voyeuristic purposes and posts their pictures flauntingly on the web without an ounce of remorse) and yet have the audacity to contrast this to how backwards Islamic law!..

Frankly a 'monarchy'- isn't Islamic law, so rather than waste my time trying to explain a case of which most of us have marginal knowledge -- I'll say fully from my heart, I hope she is granted clemency, and I hope the couple can pick up the pieces and move on with their lives putting this entirely behind them

**Tania** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

I can go a little bit into Islamic Jurisprudence with you, but I don't think there is a point for it on this thread.. let's just say it is very much in the parents' hands to grant full reprieve for this young lady w/out even financial compensation as is usually the norm offered for involuntarily man-slaughter... and a trait called (al-7olom) which is more admirable than seeking justice!
I think what needs to be established is a fair trial for this young lady w/out the need to resort to vilify a couple who have just lost their child and yet have the audacity to contrast this to how backwards Islamic law!..
..... and I hope the couple can pick up the pieces and move on with their lives putting this entirely behind them

I can't understand the islamic trial which went during this case, base on which she was sentenced to death. Because it was a trial in the court with 3 men, if i understood well.

The parents, even the mother which could not leave her job to look after the child, and hired the nanny is quilty. Even if she had no money to pay a professional nanny, because we know this young womans work is CHEAP, her first concern would have been the child.
-Do you know to feed the child

-Do you know to change diapers

-Do you know how to bath the child

-Have you done this until now

Very good. You don't know, and i will show you.
Thats the attitude. In adition, my mom which have certain experience with children

said the kids are very different. and the best to know the moods of the child its exactly the mother.

**Cognescenti** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

....I think what needs to be established is a fair trial for this young lady w/out the need to resort to vilify a couple who have just lost their child. Or cutting and pasting articles and this isn't directed at you, about how just the U.S is so just ( same U.S that is declared war on people to steal their oil, and put prisoners in a remote spot without trial, and strips people nude for voyeuristic purposes and posts their pictures flauntingly on the web without an ounce of remorse) and yet have the audacity to contrast this to how backwards Islamic law!..

Frankly a 'monarchy'- isn't Islamic law, so rather than waste my time trying to explain a case of which most of us have marginal knowledge -- I'll say fully from my heart, I hope she is granted clemency, and I hope the couple can pick up the pieces and move on with their lives putting this entirely behind them

I thought you signed off this thread seeing as how it had been sullied with all the unwashed "regulars". Inevitably when a "Westerner" raises concerns about Sharia this is exactly what we are told. Pat response number 1..."the country has not correctly implemented Islamic law" or 2...."the non-Muslims are too ignorant or (in this case) too stupid to understand".

The US has flaws in its justice system. So stipulated. Generally they are flaws of imperfect implementation by human beings rather than systematic errors. Sometimes they are systematic and need to be changed. That is really the point, isn't it? Nobody is wedded to precedent and they don't get their fur up when criticized.

I too hope the family finds peace after their terrible loss. Clemency would be a very humane gesture. Even better would be giving the poor girl a fair trial in the first place.

BTW...do tell us, whose oil has been stolen and where was it taken

**Tania** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by Cognescenti

I thought you signed off this thread seeing as how it had been sullied with all the unwashed "regulars". Inevitably when a "Westerner" raises concerns about Sharia this is exactly what we are told. Pat response number 1..."the country has not correctly implemented Islamic law" or 2...."the non-Muslims are too ignorant or (in this case) too stupid to understand".

The US has flaws in its justice system.

Its better she didn't sing off

because she knows the country justice.
I am out from this us versus saudi fight - who is the best - because i don't sustain us either.

My heart is only impressed by the faith of this young woman which proud wanted to help her parents to improve their life. What a great feeling when you can proove to parents you are able to sustain and help them.

**جوري** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by Cognescenti

the non-Muslims are too ignorant or (in this case) too stupid to understand".

Indeed that is quite adequate "cognoscente" a revealing and honest insight to self for a change! Should have thought of that before cutting and pasting your famous articles of off topic posts-- I don't need to read about a young Saudi Man working in hotel and resorts to establish an impression.. or what a Saudi woman is doing hiring a governess when all she has to do is wear a burka and not drive--It is all very tangential and in bad taste not to mention disrespectful to both afflicated parties!

The US has flaws in its justice system. So stipulated. Generally they are flaws of imperfect implementation by human beings rather than systematic errors. Sometimes they are systematic and need to be changed. That is really the point, isn't it? Nobody is wedded to precedent and they don't get their fur up when criticized.

I don't see why one is 'systematic errors of human beings' and the other one is flaws in the jurisprudence? we call this hypocrisy by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have-- yet, so eager to point out flaws in others-- Do make sure you are more Jesus like before you dish out more of your insufferable insolence! further, if it weren't your 'fur' that is ruffled then I hazard ask why do YOU roll back to this thread like a bad penny peddling more of your famous bull? Are you projecting?

I too hope the family finds peace after their terrible loss. Clemency would be a very humane gesture. Even better would be giving the poor girl a fair trial in the first place.

Agreed for a change ( and that is the Islamic thing to do!).. let's leave it at that -- although I do know how you enjoy your frequent verbal diarrhea...

BTW...do tell us, whose oil has been stolen and where was it taken

who are you in the scheme of things that I should feel the slightest need to explain? .. you are best suited for the couch and fox news.. just open wide and let the propaganda permeate you-- Dish it out later to like minds..I am genuinely unimpressed!

**جوري** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by Tania

Its better she didn't sing off

because she knows the country justice.

That is a bit incoherent Tania, what are you trying to say? I honestly expected a little more from you-- Don't you find it Socially incorrect to speak of another person in absentia? We call that back biting!

I am out from this us versus saudi fight - who is the best - because i don't sustain us either.

I am not sure I understand what that means either... This isn't about Saudi, or Sri, east or west this isn't about Islamic jurisprudence or the magna carta of medieval society!.. This has to do with a couple who have lost their young one, and a woman who committed involuntary man-slaughter-- really there is no need to turn it into more than what it is..

My heart is only impressed by the faith of this young woman which proud wanted to help her parents to improve their life. What a great feeling when you can proove to parents you are able to sustain and help them.

The young woman is herself Muslim!.. Indeed May she be granted Clemency, and be able to move on with her life and put this behind her

Peace!

**Cognescenti** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

Indeed that is quite adequate "cognoscente" a revealing and honest insight to self for a change!

No, no. I do intend the plural form. It's the "Royal We", you understand.

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

I don't see why one is 'systematic errors of human beings' and the other one is flaws in the jurisprudence? we call this hypocrisy by virtue of pretending to have qualities or beliefs that you do not really have-- yet, so eager to point out flaws in others-- Do make sure you are more Jesus like before you dish out more of your insufferable insolence! further, if it weren't your 'fur' that is ruffled then I hazard ask why do YOU roll back to this thread like a bad penny peddling more of your famous bull? Are you projecting?

I dind't folow that first bit. That isn't what I said.

I probably could stand to be more like Jesus. It isn't easy. One has to be good at forgiving and turning the other cheek after repeated insults.

As for returning to the thread? I thought it was an interesting discussion and I wasn't the one who foreswore participation

I was sort of hoping for someone to explain what went wrong here. I think the concept of due process is an important one. Apparently, that is not universally shared. It is an interesting cultural distinction.

who are you in the scheme of things that I should feel the slightest need to explain? .. you are best suited for the couch and fox news.. just open wide and let the propaganda permeate you-- Dish it out later to like minds..I am genuinely unimpressed!

Ah...the last line of defence of the losing party---a string of childish insults. QED.

**جوري** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by Cognescenti

No, no. I do intend the plural form. It's the "Royal We", you understand.

I wasn't sure which one of your many personalities I was addressing.. the plural is always best, lest one of them takes offense

I dind't folow that first bit. That isn't what I said.

Work on your 'spelling' and vocab, if you wish others to work on their comprehension!

I probably could stand to be more like Jesus. It isn't easy. One has to be good at forgiving and turning the other cheek after repeated insults.

As for returning to the thread? I thought it was an interesting discussion and I wasn't the one who foreswore participation

I was sort of hoping for someone to explain what went wrong here. I think the concept of due process is an important one. Apparently, that is not universally shared. It is an interesting cultural distinction.

I believe it has to do more with your need to draw satisfaction out of simplistic conclusions than reaching the correct one. spending years on end benumbed by constant clystering from Fox will do that to you!

Ah...the last line of defence of the losing party---a string of childish insults. QED.

losing party? what is this the arcade?

we won't count you out yet, you really are good for a chuckle!

**Tania** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

That is a bit incoherent Tania, what are you trying to say? I honestly expected a little more from you-- Don't you find it Socially incorrect to speak of another person in absentia? We call that back biting!
This has to do with a couple who have lost their young one, and a woman who committed involuntary man-slaughter-- really there is no need to turn it into more than what it is..

I am not back biting. I said it in public, not behind your back:confused:
Regarding your sentence i liked how you pointed out "involuntary" You are agree it was an accident so why the judges didn't take that in account under islamic laws

In each country she would have been free, in this country she lost 2 years from her life + she is under investigation right now too. That i can't understand.

**جوري** · 07-26-2007

Originally Posted by Tania

I am not back biting. I said it in public, not behind your back:confused:
Regarding your sentence i liked how you pointed out "involuntary" You are agree it was an accident so why the judges didn't take that in account under islamic laws

In each country she would have been free, in this country she lost 2 years from her life + she is under investigation right now too. That i can't understand.

I believe a pic is worth a thousand word Tania.. here is your answer as to why.. and it has nothing to do with Islamic jurisprudence

kufrsaudibj2th - Sri Lankan girl on death row in saudi for the death of baby in her care

peace!

**Tania** · 07-27-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

I believe a pic is worth a thousand word Tania.. here is your answer as to why.. and it has nothing to do with Islamic jurisprudence
peace!

You have right sis. This case is clear : between 2 tea cups, even not understanding what she is saying, impressed by their own citizens grief, they convicted without remorses her.That was not islamic law, i am sure about that.

**muzna** · 07-27-2007

Originally Posted by Cognescenti

I too hope the family finds peace after their terrible loss. Clemency would be a very humane gesture. Even better would be giving the poor girl a fair trial in the first place.

i agree... the girl was not given a fair trial..she had no legal representation, was made to sign documents she didnt understand, did not speak the language the trial was conducted in. the fact of the matter is, either way, she's about to be punished for murder, when it is known that she did not murder the child.

**Cognescenti** · 07-27-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

I believe a pic is worth a thousand word Tania.. here is your answer as to why.. and it has nothing to do with Islamic jurisprudence

wwwislamicboardcom - Sri Lankan girl on death row in saudi for the death of baby in her care

peace!

So, if Colin Powell visits a Muslim country they are prevented, in perpetuity, from adhering to Islamic jurisprudence? That is complete obfuscation.

Please tell us, where exactly, is the closest form of Shariah practiced and in what way, exactly, was the trial of this girl deficient in following the rules. Or, you could perhaps post a 25 year old picture of Saddam shaking hands with Rumsfeld. That one is always good for laughs.

**جوري** · 07-27-2007

This thread has been around for days, and for some reason we can't get past your dense vegetations!. ..
I am too revolted by your person and even that is an understatement! I honestly feel defiled just replying back to you!
The a perpetual struggle of the soul to maintain simple moral standards, that which is obvious even to the most concrete thinkers eludes you! You are actually the sort of fellow who finds joy in the death of an infant- because some 'Indulgent Saudi burka wearing woman deserves it.

It doesn't matter how many times we assert that involuntary man-slaughter, can and should be forgiven in Islamic jurisprudence, for again you won't get it. Anymore as to why the kaffir state of Saudi Arabia is just as demonic as yours. I don't find you witty, satirical or even level-headed to want to engage you beyond this point!... Is there a point to this or are you having a slow day--and this is where you come to get your entertainment to the point you actually have to snatch a post directed to someone else just to bait me into replying back?.. If you don't like it here, then don't be a member here! And please use you time off wisely, read a few books, so you don't end up a poster boy for im**cility.. like so!

bushup9th - Sri Lankan girl on death row in saudi for the death of baby in her care

Enough said!

**Cognescenti** · 07-27-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

This thread has been around for days, and for some reason we can't get past your dense vegetations!. ..
I am too revolted by your person and even that is an understatement! I honestly feel defiled just replying back to you!

Aw shucks! I bet you say that to all the kafir. Evidently, my question has troubled you in some fashion.

The a perpetual struggle of the soul to maintain simple moral standards, that which is obvious even to the most concrete thinkers eludes you! You are actually the sort of fellow who finds joy in the death of an infant- because some 'Indulgent Saudi burka wearing woman deserves it.

I said no such thing. One poor child is dead. Another poor child (she is after all, only 17 and probably equally innocent!) may be executed under the direction of a three judge panel. Perhaps that can be avoided.

It doesn't matter how many times we assert that involuntary man-slaughter, can and should be forgiven in Islamic jurisprudence, for again you won't get it.

That is the first time I have seen anyone assert that. 5 will get you 10 there is no equivalent term for "involuntary manslaughter", but I would be genuinely interested to know. Is it really the case the "trial" should not have been brought or is the convicted expected to rely on the forgiveness of the victim's family? That seems rather iffy to me. Perhaps some other informed person could answer as we wouldn't want you to feel defiled, wouldn't we?

Anymore as to why the kaffir state of Saudi Arabia is just as demonic as yours. I don't find you witty, satirical or even level-headed to want to engage you beyond this point!...!

Your veneer of civility is starting to wear off.

Is there a point to this or are you having a slow day--and this is where you come to get your entertainment to the point you actually have to snatch a post directed to someone else just to bait me into replying back?.. If you don't like it here, then don't be a member here! And please use you time off wisely, read a few books, so you don't end up a poster boy for im**cility.. like so!
Enough said!

I guess the string of insults means you are unable or unwilling to answer my simple question. Most sorry for having troubled you.

Thanks for the reading tip. I'll try that.

**جوري** · 07-27-2007

I said no such thing. One poor child is dead. Another poor child (she is after all, only 17 and probably equally innocent!) may be executed under the direction of a three judge panel. Perhaps that can be avoided.

Sure that is exactly what you have said go back and re-read your posts

I see no other purpose for your long winded cuts and pastes of which, I'd get no joy going back a few pages and linking it to yet another, it is a waste of time, but here is one for the sake of gaiety and merriment --

I would suggest it is because the Saudis have become so effete and spoiled by their oil wealth that they feel compelled to bring in virtual slaves from some of the most impoverished places on Earth to take care of their precious Saudi larvae. Then, if the slave does not meet their expectations, they chop her head off. It saves on return slave-ship fare.

Here is my question...what does the Saudi mom have to do besides take care of the baby? She can't vote (usually). She can't drive. Is she going to play golf in a burka? I suppose she could get the virtual-slave Philippino gardener and maint. guy to drive her down to the air-conditioned mall and shop for jewelry and French perfume.

I suppose I sound a bit anti-Saudi, don't I?

what am I to infer from this really?
A little saudi Larva as you so describe is indeed dead-- please bring out your alcoholic beverage of choice drink yourself into dementia and just take a hike as the rest of what you write is as disgustingly filthy!

You want to learn about Islamic jurisprudence then Join Al-Azhar.. the oldest and first university in the world.. people dedicate a life time to studying Islamic law, I will not sum it up for you in one line to be all agreeable and entertaining!

3:133-134. And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous, who spend [in the cause of God ] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon all people - and God loves the doers of good.

It is becoming difficult for me to apply the above myself.. I might just get some joy out of knowing something untoward befell you or one of your larvae...

**Cognescenti** · 07-27-2007

Originally Posted by PurestAmbrosia

what am I to infer from this really?

You are to infer that I don't have much patience for the Saudi pampered class. Evidently, you don't either as you called them "demonic".

3:133-134. And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous, who spend [in the cause of God ] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon all people - and God loves the doers of good.

It is becoming difficult for me to apply the above myself.. I might just get some joy out of knowing something untoward befell you or one of your larvae...

Ah, well, then please enjoy your moment of joy as the precondition has been met. I will try to apply the above, very sensible passage to the Saudis.