Ambassador says Rizana's statement was not interpreted correctly

The Supreme Judicial Council in Saudi Arabia has ordered the lower court to hear an appeal against the death sentence.

Sri Lankan ambassador in Saudi Arabia, Abdul Ajeed Mohammed Marleen, told BBC Sandeshaya that the appeal hearing is scheduled to be taken on 30 August in Dawami.

Rizana Nafeek was found guilty by a court in Saudi Arabia of killing an infant on her care and sentenced to death in 2007.

'Confession' admitting guilt

The conviction was based on the statement given to the police by Ms. Nafeek, allegedly admitting killing the baby.

However, Ms. Nafeek has told the court that she did not admit killing the infant, Mr. Marleen said.

	Ms. Rizana told the court that she did not admit killing the baby

The counsel hired by the embassy on behalf of Ms. Nafeek has submitted a written appeal based on a couple of grounds, he added.

Suspicions were raised on the interpreter whose services were hired by the Saudi police.

“According to our information, the interpreter was a Malayali national from Indian state of Kerala. We have genuine doubts over his interpreting Rizana’s statement at the police,” the ambassador told BBCSinhala.com.

According to our information, the interpreter was a Malayali national from Indian state of Kerala. We have genuine doubts over his interpreting Rizana’s statement at the police Ambassador, AAM Marleen

Mr. Marleen added that the interpreter was not called in to the trial to cross question over the accuracy of his translations and it will be difficult to call him now as he has left Saudi Arabia.

He stressed however that although not taken as the final say in Sri Lanka, confessions are considered as valid evidence according to Saudi legal system.

The ambassador expressed hope that Rizana Nafeek would be released on Wednesday as the Supreme Judicial Council has already upheld the objections by transferring the hearing to the lower court.