USTPAC condemns the Saudi Arabian government for beheading young Sri Lankan maid who was a child when the alleged offence took place, and blames the Sri Lankan government for failure to rise above ethnic considerations to adequately intervene to stop the slaughter.
Press Release: United States Tamil Political Action Council – 2 hrs 35 mins ago
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — United States Tamil Political Action Council (USTPAC) is shocked and saddened to learn of the execution of Sri Lankan migrant worker Rizana Nafeek on January 9th in Saudi Arabia. USTPAC had made a plea earlier, to his Majesty, the King of Saudi Arabia to show compassion to Ms. Nafeek, for a crime which she allegedly had committed when she was still a minor at age 17. Rizana Nafeek was beheaded after having spent 5 years in prison, in spite of protests and condemnations from international rights groups. The execution has violated international conventions and shocked the civilized world.
“We deplore the barbaric beheading of young Rizana by the Saudi authorities,” commented Dr. Elias Jeyarajah, speaking for USTPAC. “The conviction of a child without access to legal assistance coupled with coerced confession under duress, and carrying out the beheading despite numerous appeals for clemency casts an indelible blot on the Saudi Arabian monarchy,” said the spokesman.
USPTAC also condemns the government of Sri Lanka for failing to provide adequate counseling and legal representation for Ms. Nafeek. Instead of making high level contact with the Saudi government to stay the execution, the Sri Lankan government was misleading the public by claiming that Ms. Nafeek’s release was imminent. “The Rajapaksa government embroiled in its own illegal impeachment of Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice left the young Rizana undefended,” charged the spokesman.
USTPAC calls upon the International community, the UN, International Labor Organization and human rights organizations to work together to strengthen the rights of migrant women workers, especially those working in the Middle East and to help alleviate the plight of many who are abused in these countries. USTPAC also calls on the international community to pressure Sri Lanka to ensure that its migrant workers are protected from abusive employers, and the government provides quality consular services when needed irrespective of the ethnicity of its citizens.
USTPAC sends its deep condolences to the family of Rizana Nafeek and stands with them at this moment of great tragedy and injustice.
Related References:
(1) Outrage over beheading: http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/10/world/meast/saudi-arabia-sri-lankan-maid/index.html?c=world&page=1
(2) USTPAC Appeal for Clemency: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/7/prweb8677380.htm
(3) Statement by Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=20556
(4) Impeachment of Chief Justice: http://www.icj.org/icj-condemns-impeachment-of-sri-lankas-chief-justice/
Media contact: Elias Jey 202-595-3123 http://www.ustpac.org/
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I read many articles of the Rajapakse government trying to make appeals, two to be specific and the visitation of ministers to Saudi Arabia for clemency. I understand the Sri Lankan government’s failure to provide legal assistance, however I’m confused to the claim of “ethnic consideration.” Of course knowing the Rajapakse regime already has it going for it for the genocide of the Tamil people and the blatant and utter denial and lack of accountability as well as many other scandals and conspiracies (the irony of impeachment of the Chief Justice). It’s a possibility that his “deploring” of the execution is just a front to save his behind, but that can never be known. It’s brow raising to know that condemnation of an unjust execution can completely overshadow something of more eminent proportions, the decimation and genocide, that is still happening, of the Tamils. Justice was served but to undeniably inhumane proportions.