Shahzadi Khan: Indian Domestic Worker Executed in UAE for Infanticide

Shahzadi Khan, an Indian domestic worker in Abu Dhabi, was executed for allegedly killing an infant. Her family claims she was innocent and lacked adequate legal representation during her trial. Despite regular communication with her family, contact ceased prior to the confirmation of her execution. The case raises significant concerns regarding justice for foreign workers in the UAE.

Shahzadi Khan, an Indian domestic worker in Abu Dhabi, was executed for the alleged killing of her employer’s infant. Executed last month, her case has raised questions about her representation during the trial and the circumstances of the child’s death. Khan’s family insists on her innocence, suggesting the infant died from incorrect vaccination, and claims they did not receive adequate support in her defense.

Khan, who relocated to Abu Dhabi in 2021 to care for an Indian family’s child, maintained regular contact with her family through video calls until communication abruptly ceased. Her family later learned of her arrest following the infant’s death on December 7, 2022, leading to a swift trial that concluded in July 2023 with a death sentence.

In her last conversation from prison on February 13, Khan expressed her fear of imminent execution and described distressing conditions in her cell. After failing to receive any further communication, her family sought information from the Indian government, which confirmed her execution occurred on February 15.

Shahzadi Khan’s father, Shabbir Khan, expressed dissatisfaction with the legal representation his daughter received, emphasizing, “She didn’t get justice. I have tried everywhere, running around since last year.” Meanwhile, Khan’s employer maintained that sufficient evidence proved her guilt, condemning the family’s claims as misleading.

The execution of Shahzadi Khan has sparked controversy surrounding judicial fairness and adequate legal representation for foreign nationals. Her family believes that she was wrongfully convicted and deprived of a fair trial, and the case underscores the complexities and potential abuses facing expatriates in foreign legal systems, especially concerning capital punishment. The plight of Khan also highlights broader issues related to the treatment of Indian workers abroad.

Original Source: www.bbc.com