Ban Ki-moon dismayed by Saudi beheading of Rizana

Saturday, 12 January 2013 09:31

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed dismay on Friday at the execution of a Sri Lankan housemaid in Saudi Arabia over the death of an infant in her care.

Rizana Nafeek was beheaded in the town of Dawadmy, near the capital Riyadh, on Wednesday morning after being sentenced to death in 2007. She was accused by her Saudi employer of killing his infant daughter while she was bottle-feeding in 2005.

The secretary-general "is concerned about reports of irregularities in her detention and trial, as well as the increase in the use of capital punishment in Saudi Arabia," Ban's press office said in a statement.

Ban insisted that all men and women in Saudi Arabia - regardless of their migration status or nationality - be treated under international human rights law, which includes the right to a fair trial.

"Currently, in Saudi Arabia, women do not have equal access to the courts or an equal opportunity to obtain justice. The Secretary-General is concerned that this is a situation which is even more precarious for women migrant workers given their foreign status," the statement said.

The Sri Lankan government appealed the death penalty but the Saudi Supreme Court upheld the sentence in 2010. Sri Lanka said on Thursday it had recalled its envoy to Saudi Arabia over the execution.

The Saudi Interior Ministry said the infant was strangled after a dispute between the maid and the baby's mother.

Saudi households are highly dependent on housemaids from African and South Asian countries. There have been reported cases of domestic abuse in which families mistreat their maids, who have then attacked the children of their employers.

Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally, is an absolute monarchy that follows the strict Wahhabi school of Islam. Judges base decisions on their own interpretation of sharia, or Islamic law, rather than on a written legal code or on precedent.(Reuters)

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Comments

-1+18 # justice 2013-01-12 05:30

oh he exists. thought he was missing in action.

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-5+13 # RamUK 2013-01-12 16:27

man with out a back bone...remember how inactive he was in SL case in UN...

-0+19 # krish 2013-01-12 05:30

should reduce maids going there.

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-30+17 # Lobo 2013-01-12 09:38

Send Navi there and get Darusman to issue unofficial another report and then leak it to the press.

-12+20 # padma 2013-01-12 09:50

Hi …are got up now? Imposed sanction for this type of government

-7+14 # Asoka 2013-01-12 14:50

Sanctions on Iran and then Saudi Arabia as requested. Where would west get oil from? Coconut oil from Sri Lanka?

-20+31 # kamal 2013-01-12 10:17

Were you sleeping all these time Mr.Banki? What did you do When Israel was Bombarding and Killing children in Palastine?

-2+6 # alex 2013-01-12 20:22

you are very stupid if you don't ahve something to say just shut up

-0+0 # mjm 2013-01-15 15:58

well, is that comment not true??

-5+30 # Nithya 2013-01-12 10:25

Sir, What action are you planning to check the abuse of housemaids in the Middle East countries?

-5+15 # Ranga 2013-01-12 10:26

What UN can do ?

-1+9 # lenin 2013-01-12 16:17

UN also helpless in front of these barbaric laws in Arab world

-4+26 # weha 2013-01-12 10:27

Well too late to condemn it. they should have helped to save her in the first place.
but you cannot blame the UN. after all we have so many people giving 'pora talks' and fasting in front of the UN i dont think the UN takes our country seriously.
And has anyone heard what china has to say? our main ally :P :P

-3+31 # MalcomX 2013-01-12 10:32

fiar trial, are you kidding me, look at what has happend to our SJ, Dr. Bandaranayake

-4+8 # Asoka 2013-01-12 14:51

Very true, prevail on fairness on your own country first before preaching to Saudi Arabia!

-1+8 # siri 2013-01-12 10:39

awake after deep sleep,now what you can do aginst Saudi?

-2+7 # Laminate 2013-01-12 10:42

Its too late Ban Ki...........................

-25+6 # Hori sinhalaya 2013-01-12 10:48

Where we're you when Americans kill Muslims with the Jews..this law is right...parents didn't pardon...so fair enough ....Sri lankens are so worried about rizana...

-1+15 # Asoka 2013-01-12 14:52

Are you Hori Sinhalaya or Horikadaya?

-9+5 # Kondebendapucheena 2013-01-12 11:08

look now how many are crying,EU,GB,UN you name it ,before no one.Moon send some UN funds to help the Family at least Building a house for her Family

-6+4 # Lokka 2013-01-12 11:10

Mr Postmortem ,
It is your part now .........

-0+0 # shan 2013-01-14 14:49

-2+81 # Rahmathullah M. H. 2013-01-12 11:34

Saudis do so many atrocities in the name of Sharia law. In fact the way they tried and executed Rizana is quite anti-Islamic and anti-Sharia. I am also a Muslim and I feel shame to know that Saudis make mockery of Sharia law by implementing different types of punishment for different nationalities. I just ask the Saudi how many Sri-Lankan housemaids have been killed by the employers in Saudi Arabia and how many housemaids became lifetime invalids due to the physical, mental and sexual torture they underwent during their employment in Saudi Arabia. Why the criminals have not been punished as per Sharia law? Does Sharia law give immunity to Saudis? Hell with your Sharia law. Don't make mockery of Islam.

-2+54 # Fathima 2013-01-12 12:06

Very well said Brother. Saudi ppl are acting like barbarians in the name of sharia law and Islam.
As you mentioned, hundreds of our women were affected by their cruel masters. Where is justice for them??
Shame to call them as Muslims even. Remember, Allah is watching all their barbaric acts. They all will have to answer him one day for what all they have done. May Allah grant Jannathul firdouse to our sister Rizana.

-0+15 # Asoka 2013-01-12 15:01

Believers can get some consolation from believes but non believers like me have a problem with that. Only spread of Arab uprising to Saudi Arabia can bring true democracy!

-0+14 # alisten-Sydney 2013-01-12 16:04

Sharing your views and same time asking what about Muslim politicans in Srilanaka. Use poor Muslims to increase their wealth and running politics. Muslims should improve the standard of living of lower class Muslims rather than earm foregin currecy for Srilnakan Government to spend.

-0+11 # clueless 2013-01-12 16:11

very well said.

-1+8 # Kalana 2013-01-12 21:40

Well said Sir. Let alone abusing the Sharia, the Saudis have now invented a new capitalistic business model maximizing on profiteering on Haj and Umrah, These Barbarians are the absolute hypocrites on earth.

-2+2 # Gabo Singho 2013-01-13 02:57

#Kalana Per the estimates KSA will run out of oil in the next 25 to 30 years. So they have to make money (income) from its so called holy places from the gullible .They have made the Haj mandatory as one of the 5 pillars of islam, to do the Haj once in a lifetime of all (gullible) believers. The Saudi royals have to be kept in style, otherwise they would have to go back to eating dates and riding smelly camels. Hopefully, there may be an 'Arab spring' in the KSA one of these days, as happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen etc. Dissent is brutally curtailed in KSA.

-0+8 # kandiah mahendran 2013-01-12 22:17

Great u rahamatullah...Still they follow old stone histry...We all Sri Lankankan mis our daughter..

-0+6 # shirly 2013-01-13 00:08

well said brother.....

-2+9 # shan 2013-01-12 11:53

You all knew that this is going to happen. Did you do anything to prevent this tragedy. Useless UN

-2+9 # godofwar 2013-01-12 11:59

Aney "ban" umbe karapu natumakuth naha berey paluwakuth naha. You failed the SL people before and you failed us again! What a shame "BAN"

-1+7 # Miaman 2013-01-12 12:29

Sir, Why don't you go there and investigate the wrong doings ?
If you go there and talk you too might get be-headed. Countries with lots of money can get away with anything.
You guys only talk.

-1+8 # johan 2013-01-12 12:57

When we see the history of UN , its activities are
only postmortem - Coroner's job

-1+7 # asd 2013-01-12 13:26

Banky is a useless fellow, he can only make statements

-2+9 # Polkudu Chandrika 2013-01-12 13:30

Aney Bang! Now only talking after everything over. Where were u all these days. On the moon?

-8+14 # jayantha silva 2013-01-12 13:49

Why are you upset, the Muslims in Sri Lanka have accepted the punishment , and are keeping very silent.

-1+2 # Paisa Musthappa 2013-01-12 17:07

Dont be an idiot. No sri lankan muslim accepts this lop-sided and wrong verdict. The fact is they can do nothing about it as they are as powerless as any other citizen of the country..

-0+2 # kandiah mahendran 2013-01-12 22:21

Really????? Rizana is our sister but their daughter...

-0+10 # Manushya 2013-01-12 14:02

What a funny situation!! In Saudi the king seem to follow the court rulings even if they are given based on judges' own interpretations whereas in Sri Lanka the king seems to have his own interpretation of law despite court rulings given based on written code of law

-3+5 # Jegan 2013-01-12 14:25

As usual stupid fellow makes the statement after everything is over .

-11+2 # idroos2002 2013-01-12 14:56

Dear readers islamically one for one also known as qisas is the right justified answer .If she has accepted it .Otherwise if its a mistake her status would be elevated to a matry may her rest in peace in jannah whether we accept it or not or with whatever intentions the saudis had islamic or pure nationalistic interest allah would elevate her ranks.In my eyes any country has natioanals interest first so why only saudis.

-2+4 # Budhist 2013-01-12 15:00

This fellow is a failure. He should come here

-1+4 # LastdaysofParadise 2013-01-12 16:07

A Statement for the sake of it. Sadly, not even the faintest hope exist for improvement in conditions in this Kingdom favouring only Muslim men.

-1+3 # FancisFranciscis 2013-01-12 16:16

Stupid man has just woken up .she was languishing in jail for more than five years and where washed?

-0+9 # Rohan 2013-01-12 16:39

Corrupt Saudi regime is in power due to American assurance of support to the King. They have become rich and powerful and extremely arrogant without a care to any country or to any individuals. UN Secretary General has done something extra-ordinary here to even condemn this unjust event. Shame on SL govt to send house maids to Saudi and to accept Saudi barbarians aids at times.

-0+5 # Shaik Anwar Ahamath 2013-01-12 23:45

If not for the American support the Saudi corrupt monarchy would have suffered the Arab Spring and quite rightly overthrown and Muslims worldwide would not shed a tear. They supposedly guardians of Islam but bring Sharia Laws into disrepute and also rip off the Haj Pilgrims with inflated costs.

-0+0 # xlntgson 2013-01-12 16:59

What about non-judicial killings Mr Ban ki choon!

-0+6 # Surain 2013-01-12 18:19

Mr. president if you have a clear back as a Sri Lankan stop sending house maids to saudi Arabia their Baberians, their 2 legs animals

-0+2 # MA 2013-01-12 18:34

ALL WE FAILED TO PAY THE POOR RATES WHICH CAUSES LOSSES 1000 OF RIIZANA NAFEEK . SERVE POOR WITH OUR WEALTH.

-0+3 # Bagalawathie 2013-01-12 18:38

Are these savages in the Unted Nations too. ?.

-0+5 # jimbo 2013-01-12 19:23

Saudi laws are very weak. Hence the Saudi king is a puppet. Its time for the Saudis to rise against the injustices. Revolution is the only answer.

-1+4 # Abdul 2013-01-12 19:43

why didnt they mention south east asian countries ? even south east asian countries are sending maids to arabia

-0+6 # Pon Kulendiren 2013-01-12 20:05

Saudi does not care for UN. Saudi has enough wealth and there is no law for poor people and other country people. God will punish the country through an Earthquake. The only solution is no house maids should go to Saudi

-1+4 # Vije 2013-01-12 22:08

surprise! no protests at Dawatagaha mosque on Friday. So it's will of Allah as dictated by Sharia as one mullah from Muththur Said. So what's the bid fuss.

-2+4 # bleeding heart 2013-01-12 23:00

in the first place Rizana was not punished according to sharia Law. she was punished according to saudi law favouring saudi Citizens. If sharia law practised saudi can not take any women as house maids. both monkey moon and saudi kings are puppets of USA

-0+4 # selva 2013-01-12 23:20

SLGovt abandoned her eventhough her case became protracted year long. Minister Hakkem visited Saudi several time in this period never take interest in this case but he consentrated in speaking with saudi King against Tamils .No need to blame Bakimoon is useless.

-0+2 # Virendra 2013-01-13 00:00

Oh come on guys. Even if the Saudis start beheading one Lankan maid every month, still people would be flocking to go and work there. It is a matter of money and job. You can't give job to your people, they will be forced to take it somewhere else. And don't talk about sanctions, UN, fair probes, freedom and all such things. First practise, then preach.

-0+1 # Mutu 2013-01-13 03:16

That was the worst catastrophic thing that happened to a Sri Lankan in Saudi Arabia. Equally worst things are now happening in Sri Lanka itself and Moon should take note of this.

-0+1 # conty 2013-01-13 03:22

Sorry guys, all your talk will not bring Rizana back nor will you stop S/L maids from going to Saudi. As long as there is no hope in mother Lanka for her people overseas employment will continue. Strict o/seas employment conditions must be made law & carried out & law breaker must be punished, An MU must be signed between S/L govt & Saudi govt. especially where punishment for offences are made, offences must be fair for both sides not one law for Saudis & another for S/Lankans.

-2+0 # msm 2013-01-13 05:30

Ban ki you ar brand key for U S

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-1+1 # Gabo Singho 2013-01-13 03:06

Why are we blaming everyone but ourselves. If we could create employment in our own country, we do not have to send our mothers, sisters, daughters as slaves to the Arabs and be ill treated, abused, raped, tortured and finally beheaded. Its the fault of our country for allowing them to go , so that the corrupt politicians and their henchmen could enjoy trips abroad, luxury cars, cavort at 5* hotels, have mistresses the benefits do not seem to end for them, but 'hulang' for the ordinary folks like us. Stop forthwith , sending maids to arab countries.

-1+0 # Puswedilla 2013-01-13 05:30

Oh you are such a joke always late to the party!

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-1+3 # Jamal 2013-01-13 07:25

It was committed in the name of Allah which is a superstitious Cognitive Illusion . There s no God of any kind including Allah

-1+6 # Jamal 2013-01-13 07:27

It was committed in the name of Allah which is a superstitious cognitive illusion. There is no God including Allah.

-0+5 # Hissain 2013-01-13 11:46

#Jamal; Totally agree with your comment. The idea of a god or allah cannot be tested in the domain of science, which can only work with ideas that are testable and falsifiable by experimentation . Science is the only way we can derive real knowledge about the natural world and our place in it & not religion
which simply confuses and divides.

-0+4 # murali 2013-01-13 12:23

Best comment and understanding.. world is screwed under religious believes .

-1+0 # Enid 2013-01-13 08:44

I believe the SL gov. did try to help her,since there was
some reference in the news.It saddens me because it
happens so many times with our women who are in the middle east.As a nation let's consider the human aspect and ban people working there,especiall y women. If we implement it they
will get better training and work else where such as
Malaysia and Singapore.They pay better too,but it is more difficult.Some countries in asia have already done this.I feel sad
that poverty and inexperience killed her.She went into such lenghts to cover her age up,only to die.The muslim community in SL has tried so hard to become more like the middle eastern muslims even dressing like them.They are not a model to be immitated,the SL muslims are kind hospitable people who would never do this.I hope she finds peace.Mr.Baki Mun I am not impressed,you could have intervened before she was killed.

-0+2 # singing fish 2013-01-13 10:49

Those who follow wahabism be also treated as babarians.

-1+0 # Sutharsan 2013-01-13 11:25

I saw a comment in and Indian Tamil Magazine, that says, the older UN Cheifs were working as a Rubber Stamp of western country. But they mentioned about "Ban", "First time a Rubber stamp become Cheif of UN"

-1+0 # Manju 2013-01-13 15:49

Where is Navi ? May be she still does not know this story.

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