Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on a Sri Lankan migrant worker, Anojan Sivarasa, over a Facebook comment deemed insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Hemachandra, announced the development on Wednesday, October 14, saying the court had set aside the sentence following diplomatic and legal efforts by both countries. The decision was made on October 13.
Sivarasa, 27, was sentenced to death in September after an appellate court reviewed his case. He had initially been sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals, approximately $800,000, by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court.
The case arose from an online argument in June following the circulation of a video that sparked religious discussions on social media. During the exchange, Sivarasa reportedly posted a comment in Tamil that Saudi authorities considered insulting to Prophet Muhammad. He later deleted the comment and uploaded an apology video, but was arrested in July after a screenshot reportedly reached his employer and the authorities.
The case attracted international attention, with human rights organisations calling on Saudi Arabia to reverse the death sentence. Sri Lankan officials also pursued diplomatic efforts to secure a favourable outcome for the migrant worker.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision removes the death sentence, it remains unclear whether Sivarasa’s earlier conviction, prison term and fine have also been overturned or whether he will be released from detention.
Sources: Linda Ikeji’s Blog, The Whistler and Human Rights Watch.
