The family of two Indian brothers being held at Dammam’s Mabahith prison has appealed to the Indian government for assistance in determining their fate after they were arrested in March on allegations related to expressing sympathy for Iran.

The two brothers are:

▪️ Elder brother: Zafar Hasan Abbas

▪️ Younger brother: Rahib Hasan Abbas

The brothers worked at a commercial shop in Dammam, within the Qatif region.

In an official media statement obtained by Oryx Observer, the family said the sequence of events unfolded as follows:

▪️ During March, the brothers held regular WhatsApp conversations with their mother, which included expressions of support for Iran and criticism of Israel.

▪️ The discussions later led to their mother requesting that a symbolic financial contribution be sent to the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi as an expression of solidarity with Iran.

▪️ Zafar reportedly complied with the request and transferred SAR 200 from his brother Rahib’s account to the Iranian Embassy’s account in New Delhi through an Indian banking account.

▪️ On 27 March, the younger brother, Rahib, whose account was used for the transfer, was arrested.

▪️ On 30 March, the elder brother, Zafar, who carried out the transfer, was also arrested.

▪️ According to the family, their whereabouts and legal status have remained unknown since their detention.

▪️ On 7 June, the family issued a public appeal through a recorded video, a copy of which was obtained by Oryx Observer, calling on the Indian government to intervene and establish the fate of their two sons.