Saudi Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence for Sri Lankan Migrant Worker

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence previously given to a Sri Lankan migrant worker who faced execution over a social media comment. Colombo's Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the ruling on Wednesday, thanking the authorities and legal teams from both nations for their work.

Anojan Sivarasa, a 27-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker, was sentenced to death in September by a Saudi appellate court that convicted him of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. The incident began after online religious arguments erupted following the circulation of footage showing a Muslim man kicking a dog near Hindu pilgrims. During the online exchange, another user posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, prompting Sivarasa to reply in Tamil with an insult directed at the Prophet Muhammad. Although Sivarasa quickly deleted the comment and posted an apology video, a screenshot reached his employer and Saudi officials, resulting in his arrest in July. Prior to the death sentence, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court had initially sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of three million Saudi riyals.

The case caused great concern in Sri Lanka and sparked diplomatic efforts, international rights group appeals, and legal negotiations to seek clemency. Faizer Mustafa, a Sri Lankan lawmaker involved in the legal talks, confirmed the decision and stated that they are currently reviewing the Supreme Court's latest ruling. It remains unclear whether Sivarasa will stay in detention, for how long, or if further legal proceedings will take place, as his family had previously reported having no direct contact with him since September 28.