A Sri Lankan migrant worker, Sivarasa Anojan, is facing a death sentence in Saudi Arabia after an appellate court reportedly escalated his initial five-year prison sentence and fine following an appeal concerning a social media post.
According to reports, Anojan was sentenced over a Facebook comment that was deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad. His mother has appealed to the Sri Lankan Government and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to intervene and secure her son’s safe return to Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities are pursuing both legal and diplomatic avenues to assist Anojan. Officials have confirmed that discussions are underway regarding a final appeal before the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia, while diplomatic efforts are also being explored to seek clemency or a reduction of the sentence.
Earlier this week, speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government was consulting Anojan’s family regarding the filing of an appeal.
He said authorities were simultaneously examining diplomatic options, including seeking a royal pardon or a reduction of the sentence from the Saudi authorities.
The case has prompted concern among Anojan’s family and Sri Lankan officials, who are seeking all available legal and diplomatic avenues to prevent the execution and secure his return to Sri Lanka.
