Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence for Sri Lankan migrant worker

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 07:51 · Archive

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has set aside a death sentence imposed on a Sri Lankan migrant worker for a Facebook comment insulting Prophet Muhammad.

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence handed to Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan migrant worker, over a comment he made on Facebook insulting Prophet Muhammad. He was initially sentenced to death in September after conviction on blasphemy charges.

According to the BBC, the case began in late June when religious arguments erupted online following footage of a young Muslim man kicking a dog near Hindu pilgrims. During the exchange, a user posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, prompting Sivarasa to respond in Tamil with insulting comments about Prophet Muhammad. He deleted the comment and posted an apology video, but a screenshot reached his employer and Saudi officials, leading to his arrest in July. An Al-Ahsa Criminal Court initially sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of three million Saudi riyals (approximately $0.8m).

Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the Supreme Court's decision on Wednesday, thanking the authorities and legal teams of both nations. Sri Lanka's ambassador visited Sivarasa at Dammam Central Prison on 8 October. The BBC reports it remains unclear whether there will be further legal proceedings or how long he will remain in detention. Sivarasa's family had not been in direct contact with him since 28 September.

Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence for Sri Lankan migrant worker — Image: Independent World

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How it is being reported

Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence of Sri Lankan man convicted over Facebook postSupreme court order is seen as a major victory for Sri Lanka’s diplomatic effortsIndependent World · 14 Oct, 09:26
Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence for man over Facebook commentAnojan Sivarasa's case sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka, spurring diplomatic efforts to seek clemency.BBC News · 14 Oct, 07:11
Sri Lankan ambassador visits foreign worker sentenced to death for Facebook post in Saudi ArabiaSri Lankan legal team files clemency appeal on behalf of Anojan SivarasaIndependent World · 13 Oct, 09:16

In this story: Anojan Sivarasa · Saudi Arabia · Sri Lanka · Arun Hemachandra · Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad · Dammam

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