Saudi Arabia Urged to Spare Sivarasa Anojan Sentenced to Death Over Facebook Post
Calls are growing for Saudi Arabia to spare Sivarasa Anojan, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker who has been sentenced to death over a Facebook comment.
Anojan was initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined 3 million Saudi riyals by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court.
His case changed dramatically after Saudi prosecutors appealed the original judgment. An appellate court later imposed the death penalty after the prosecution sought to have the case considered under Sharia law.
The development has triggered diplomatic efforts in Sri Lanka, with politicians, rights advocates and members of Anojan’s family calling for clemency.
Who Is Sivarasa Anojan?
Anojan is a Sri Lankan Tamil worker from Narpittimunai in the eastern part of Sri Lanka.
He was working in Saudi Arabia when authorities opened a case against him over material posted on Facebook.
According to reports, the comment was considered derogatory towards Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
The case was initially handled under Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cyber Crime Law. The original court sentence was five years in prison and a fine of 3 million Saudi riyals.
The subsequent appeal resulted in a much more severe punishment.
Death Sentence Follows Appeal
Sri Lankan officials say the case took a different direction after the Saudi prosecution appealed.
The prosecution reportedly asked that Anojan be prosecuted under Sharia law rather than under the cybercrime legislation used in the initial case.
The appellate court accepted that request and imposed a death sentence.
The dramatic change has caused concern among Anojan’s family and supporters because the original punishment did not include execution.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has confirmed that the government is taking steps to assist Anojan.
Family Pleads for Mercy
Anojan’s mother, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi, has made an emotional appeal for her son’s life to be spared.
She has asked Saudi authorities to forgive her son and allow him to return home.
The family says communication with Anojan has stopped, adding to their concern about his situation.
His brother, Hamsidan Sivarasa, said the family had not received an update after contacting officials about the lack of communication.
The family is now relying on diplomatic efforts to seek a reduction or cancellation of the death sentence.
Sri Lanka Seeks Royal Clemency
Sri Lankan authorities have been working to secure clemency for Anojan.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Sri Lankan government would appeal to Saudi Arabia’s King for a pardon.
Several Sri Lankan politicians have also joined the campaign.
A group of Tamil and Muslim lawmakers sent an appeal to Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister asking for royal clemency for Anojan.
The lawmakers described him as a young Sri Lankan who had become caught in circumstances surrounding the Facebook post.
Concerns Over Social Media Sentences
Anojan’s case has also renewed concerns about the severe punishments that can follow online activity in Saudi Arabia.
Human rights organisations have previously documented cases involving people detained or sentenced because of social media posts.
Amnesty International and ALQST said in July that visitors and pilgrims had faced detention and lengthy prison sentences over social media activity.
Rights groups have repeatedly called for greater protection of freedom of expression and fair legal procedures in cases involving online speech.
Death Penalty Remains a Major Concern
Saudi Arabia continues to use the death penalty for a range of offences.
Human Rights Watch has criticised the country’s use of capital punishment and raised concerns about due process in some cases.
The organisation has also called for stronger safeguards for people facing execution.
Anojan’s case is different from many recent Saudi execution cases involving drug offences, because his death sentence stems from an alleged social media comment.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
For Anojan’s family, the focus is now on securing a pardon before the sentence can be carried out.
Sri Lankan officials have indicated that diplomatic channels remain open.
The family is asking Saudi authorities to consider the circumstances of the case and spare Anojan’s life.
The final outcome will depend on Saudi legal and royal processes.
For now, Anojan remains in Saudi custody while efforts continue to overturn or reduce his death sentence.
His case has attracted growing attention in Sri Lanka and internationally, with supporters urging Saudi authorities to show mercy and allow the young worker to return home.
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