Saving Rizana: ACJU Appeal seeks clemency

By Rifthi Ali 5th July 2011 The All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulema (ACJU), the Supreme Council of Muslim Theologians of Sri Lanka had sent a letter to King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia requesting the release of the Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek, who was sentenced to death by a High Court in Saudi Arabia for allegedly causing the death of a four-month-old infant in her care. 

This letter was sent to the Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz through the External Affairs Ministry.

According to the letter, the ACJU had pleaded with the Saudi Arabian King to request the infant’s mother to  pardon Rizana Nafeek since the infant’s father was willing to pardon her but the mother has still not given her pardon.  The Sri Lankan government has expressed its willingness to pay  blood money for the pardon.

ACJU President Ash-Sheikh M.I.M. Rizvi Mufthi and General Secretary Ash-Sheikh M.N.A. Mubark had signed this letter. A discussion to seek the release of the Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek was held at the External Affairs Ministry under the External Affairs Ministry monitoring parliamentarian Sajin Vas Gunawardena last week.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader and Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem has requested a meeting with the victim’s family and the respective tribal leaders to seek reconciliation.

Source: Dali y Mirror