Thank God, Tariq’s home after being jailed in Saudi Arabia

Thank God, Tariq’s home
Sunday, January 1 2017

ONE Trinidad family will be ringing in the New Year with joy after the release of a Trinidadian student who had been detained in a Saudi Arabian prison for more than a year.

Tariq Shamoon Mohammed, 31, was returned home and reunited with his family.

According to a statement from attorney Nafeesa Mohammed, who had been lobbying for his release, he had been detained in Saudi Arabia in August 2015 for interrogation on allegations of terrorism.

She said the allegations were “unfounded, untrue, baseless, and mere speculation and conjecture”.

Tariq was held while returning to the city of Madinah in Saudi Arabia with his wife and infant son to complete his final year as a student of the University of Madinah where he was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Islamic Theology.

Nafeesa pointed out that he had never been involved in illegal activity within this country or elsewhere.

“During his detention, Tariq was separated from his family and endured severe conditions including solitary confinement. However at all times Mr Mohammed complied with any and all requests of the authorities in Saudi Arabia,” she reported.

She said that the family is relieved to have him back home.

“It is with a sense of relief and answered prayers that the family of Mr Mohammed would like to acknowledge all the support from the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and throughout the world who bore testimony to his innocence.

This is a time of healing and reunification with his family, friends and community,” she said.

She continued: “Tariq now has to rebuild his life and is cooperating with the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago to share his experience and ensure that his name is cleared of any negative stain or stigma arising out of this ordeal.” On a Facebook group dedicated to his release Tariq’s father Shamoon Mohammed posted, “Tariq came through the last night and he is now trying to catch himself. He is tired and at home in Trinidad.

Thank God” and “Thank you for all your contributions”. The post received 31 comments from friends, family and well wishers.

“All our prayers have been answered! The Almighty’s work is slow but sure!” one poster wrote. “So glad that this ordeal is over. Welcome home!” another poster wrote.

In November this year, five Muslim men returned to Trinidad after being detained in Venezuela since March 2014 on terrorism charges. The charges were subsequently changed to intention to commit espionage and commit a criminal act.

In October this year a judge passed a guilty verdict and sentence of two years, six months and 25 days but they were released after it was determined they had already served this time.

Good luck young man