Amnesty International has called on Saudi Arabia to immediately revoke the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa and release him unconditionally.
In a statement, the organization said the charges against Sivarasa are based entirely on the expression of his views, and stressed that no one should be imprisoned or subjected to the death penalty solely for expressing an opinion.
Sivarasa was arrested over allegations that he had posted a statement on social media deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad. The Saudi Court of Appeal subsequently sentenced him to death.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia is scheduled to visit the Dammam prison today (08) to look into Sivarasa’s situation. The visit is also expected to address reports that Sivarasa was injured after being assaulted by another inmate while in custody.
A Sri Lankan delegation currently in Saudi Arabia is also expected to continue efforts today to explore legal options for appealing the death sentence before the Saudi Supreme Court.
Parliamentarian Faizer Musthapha said legal advice was obtained from Saudi lawyers yesterday (07) regarding the case.
He said the delegation hopes to file an appeal on behalf of Sivarasa before October 17.
