Protesters seek intervention as Senegalese maid faces execution in Saudi

A 22-year-old Senegalese maid in Saudi Arabia standing trial for the murder of her employer after complaints of abuse has gained sympathy from human rights activists and protesters in her home country.

Mbayang Diop’s case was known last week after her family in the Senegalese capital Dakar lost contact with her and sought help from the country’s foreign affairs ministry.

The ministry informed the family of the arrest of the divorcee who has a three-year-old son in her family’s care, her brother Mamdou Diop told the BBC.

He also said in an interview that Mbayang had called him complaining of abuses from her employer despite being deceived by her traffickers of a better life in Saudi Arabia.

On Monday, a group of protesters in the West African country including domestic workers called on the Senegalese government to intervene in her trial so she can be extradited. Human rights activists also fear she might be executed.

Senegal maids, servants hold sit-in for a natl who risks death in Saudi over “murder” of her boss RT Pressafrik: pic.twitter.com/WdrF1oJ0t4

— Aisha Dabo™ (mashanubian) July 31, 2016

Senegal’s foreign minister, Mankeur Ndiaye acknowledged the abuse faced by many domestic workers in the Middle East adding that Mbayang Diop was a victim and the government will fight traffickers.

President Macky Sall is expected to table the case of Mbayang Diop before Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Adel Al Jubeir who visits the country on a diplomatic mission on Wednesday.

Saudi Foreign min to meet Senegal Presi Sall; discussion to inclu case of national on death row for stabbing to death her Saudi employer 1/2

— Aisha Dabo™ (@mashanubian) August 3, 2016

Justice of Saudi Arabia will decapitate Senegal girl for accidentally killing employer #SauvonsMbayang AlJazeera pic.twitter.com/MOBYBHX6iq

— Pharafina (pharafina) August 1, 2016