Saudi Arabia 'jails' Indian migrant who made tearful video about work conditions
Riepilogo
Date Reported: 21 Mar 2016
Location: Arabia Saudita
Companies
Al Suroor United - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: 1
Migrant & immigrant workers: ( 1 - India , Transport: General , Gender not reported )Issues
Intimidation , Restricted mobility , Wage Theft , Freedom of Movement , ImprisonmentResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Journalist
Action taken: The worker was later approached by the company, Al Suroor United Group, and issued an apology but was jailed for "spreading misinformation" on social media.
Source type: News outlet
An Indian migrant worker who made an emotional plea on social media about his working conditions in Saudia Arabia has been jailed, according to activists. Abdul Sattar Makandar, a truck driver, made a video which shows him crying in desperation about his situation. The video, posted to social media by Indian human rights activistKundan Srivastava, was shared widely in India. Human rights activists now fear for his life. In his video, Mr Makandar says: "I have been in Saudi Arabia for the last 23 months, and have applied for leave to come home over five months ago. “But my employer is not letting me go home... My employer doesn't give me a proper salary, neither does he give me money for food,"...Mr Srivastava said he later took down the post - which had since been posted widely elsewhere - and apologised to the engineering and construction company, Al Suroor United Group, after approaches from the firm's legal representatives. He said Mr Makandar has now been jailed having been initially arrested under a Saudi law which prevents "spreading misinformation" on social media. However, his uncertain status and limited contact with the outside world has greatly concerned activists.