Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on a 27-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker over a comment he made on Facebook that was deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the decision on Wednesday, saying the country’s diplomatic and legal teams had worked with Saudi authorities on the case.
In a Facebook post, Hemachandra thanked the authorities and legal representatives from both countries for their efforts. The case had sparked widespread concern in Sri Lanka and prompted diplomatic appeals for clemency.
Anojan Sivarasa was sentenced to death in September after a Saudi appellate court convicted him of blasphemy over remarks he posted during an online religious dispute.
The controversy began in late June after footage circulated on social media showing a young Muslim man kicking a dog following Hindu pilgrims. The incident triggered heated religious arguments online.
During the exchange, another user allegedly posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, prompting Sivarasa to respond in Tamil with an insult directed at the Prophet Muhammad.
Although Sivarasa quickly deleted the comment and posted an apology video, a screenshot of the remark was reportedly brought to the attention of his employer and Saudi authorities. He was arrested in July.
Before the death sentence was imposed, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court had sentenced him to five years in prison and fined him three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately US$800,000.
It remains unclear whether further legal proceedings will take place or whether Sivarasa will remain in detention, and for how long.
Sri Lankan lawmaker Faizer Mustafa, who has been involved in legal negotiations with Saudi Arabia over the case, confirmed to BBC Sinhala that the death sentence had been overturned. He said the latest ruling was still being reviewed.
Sivarasa’s family previously said they had not had direct contact with him since September 28.
International human rights organisations had also urged Saudi Arabia to spare his life. On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch senior Saudi Arabia researcher Joey Shea called on the authorities to stop imposing severe punishments for speech-related offences, particularly against migrant workers who may have limited protections.
The Supreme Court’s decision overturns the death sentence, but Sivarasa’s wider legal situation remains uncertain.
