[REVISION HISTORY]

Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence for Sri Lankan migrant

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2026-10-14 08:02 UTC → 2026-10-14 13:57 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Sivarasa Anojan, a 27-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, is facing a death sentence following an appeal regarding social media comments deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. While initially sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 3 million Saudi Riyals by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court, an appellate court increased the sentence to capital punishment. The conviction stems from a June social media dispute involving a video of a religious pilgrimage in Sri Lanka. Although Anojan deleted the Tamil-language comment and posted an apology, screenshots were used as evidence by his employer, Denys Arabia, which terminated his employment. Sri Lankan authorities have been actively pursuing legal and diplomatic interventions. On October 8, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia O. L. Ameer Ajwad visited Anojan at Dammam Central Prison to assess his well-being. The ambassador reported that Anojan is in good health and has met with prison officials and medical staff to ensure proper care. The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular and legal support under the direction of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. On October 13, the Saudi Arabian Supreme Court overturned the death sentence imposed on Anojan. Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra confirmed the ~~decision.~~ decision, noting it followed intensive diplomatic and legal efforts. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to Saudi authorities, describing the outcome as a ‘significant victory for the protection of Sri Lankan citizens working abroad.’ While the death penalty has been vacated, the legal status of his detention and the potential for further judicial proceedings remain unclear. Human Rights Watch had previously criticized the initial sentence, describing it as an ‘outrageous overreaction’ and calling for his immediate release.

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