Colombo, Oct 15:
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa over a comment he posted on Facebook, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said.
Sivarasa, 27, was sentenced to death in September after being convicted of blasphemy involving Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. The case triggered concern in Sri Lanka and prompted diplomatic and legal efforts to secure relief for the worker.
Hemachandra said the Saudi court had set aside the sentence on Tuesday, describing the decision as a major relief for Sivarasa and his family. He credited sustained diplomatic engagement and legal efforts by officials from both countries.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the development and said his government would continue providing necessary assistance to Sivarasa and his family until the remaining legal proceedings were completed.
According to reports, the worker had initially been sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals over the social media comment. He reportedly deleted the post and issued an apology, but a screenshot subsequently reached his employer and Saudi authorities, leading to his arrest in July.
The overturning of the death sentence has brought relief to his family and supporters. However, the final outcome of the case will depend on the remaining legal process in Saudi Arabia.