Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa, 27, over a Facebook comment deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, according to Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra.
Hemachandra announced on Wednesday, October 14, that Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court had set aside the sentence. He thanked officials and legal teams from both countries for their efforts in the case, which triggered diplomatic intervention and widespread concern in Sri Lanka.
Sivarasa was sentenced to death in September after a Saudi appellate court convicted him of blasphemy. His case drew intense attention in Sri Lanka, where his family, political representatives and international human rights organisations called for his life to be spared.
The incident began in late June, when footage circulated on social media showing a young Muslim man kicking a dog after Hindu pilgrims. The video prompted heated online exchanges about religion. During the discussion, a user allegedly posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, to which Sivarasa responded in Tamil with insulting remarks about the Prophet Muhammad.
Although Sivarasa deleted the comment shortly afterwards and published an apology video, a screenshot of the original post was reportedly shared with his employer and Saudi authorities. He was arrested in July, and the case subsequently progressed through the Saudi legal system.
The Al-Ahsa Criminal Court initially sentenced Sivarasa to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately $800,000 or 600,000 pounds as reported in the original account. The death sentence was handed down in September following an appeal.
The latest ruling marks a significant development in the case, but questions remain about Sivarasa’s legal status and immediate future. It is not yet clear whether further proceedings will take place, whether he will remain in detention, or how long any continued detention might last.
Sivarasa’s family had previously said they had not been in direct contact with him since September 28, adding to concerns about his situation. Sri Lankan lawmaker Faizer Mustafa, who has been involved in legal discussions with Saudi Arabia over the case, also confirmed to BBC Sinhala that the death sentence had been overturned. He said those involved were reviewing the Supreme Court’s latest ruling.
International human rights organisations had joined calls for Saudi authorities to spare Sivarasa’s life. On Tuesday, Joey Shea, Human Rights Watch’s senior researcher on Saudi Arabia, urged the authorities to stop imposing severe punishments for speech-related offences. Shea also highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers, who may have limited protections while facing legal proceedings in a foreign country.
Although the Supreme Court’s decision removes the death sentence, it does not yet establish whether Sivarasa will be released or face further legal action. His future will depend on the next steps in the Saudi legal process and any subsequent decisions by the authorities.
