Very intriguing story. Some aspects I would have to reread.
I am not too clear about the "hands speaking". Are we talking about sign language or just the body language being read and ventriloquized by the narrator/protagonist?
I read the universal motive of treason in the context of religion vs reason, chains vs freedom.
Freedom, especially of mind, is a dangerous weapon, one those who like to subject the masses fear and would rather keep restrained.