Saudi Court Sets Aside Sri Lankan Worker’s Death Sentence

On October 13, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court set aside the death sentence against Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa. The major change came in a case that had put him at risk of execution over a Facebook comment. Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the ruling, crediting diplomatic and legal efforts by both countries. The decision removes the death penalty, but does not explain what happens to Sivarasa next. ^2,8

Sivarasa’s case began with a heated online argument in Sri Lanka in late June. A video showed a young Muslim man kicking a dog after Hindu pilgrims passed by. In the exchange, someone made derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity; Sivarasa replied in Tamil with a comment about the Prophet Muhammad. He deleted it and posted an apology video, but screenshots reached his Saudi employer and authorities. The Al-Ahsa Criminal Court first sentenced him to five years in prison and fined him three million Saudi riyals. An appeals court later raised the punishment to death. ^1,3

The death sentence drew concern in Sri Lanka and prompted the government to seek help through diplomatic and legal channels. A Sri Lankan legal team travelled to Riyadh and appealed to the Supreme Court on October 11, according to the foreign ministry. The court’s move has spared Sivarasa from execution for now, but has not publicly settled whether his conviction still stands. The case also shows how a comment posted during an argument in Sri Lanka led to criminal proceedings against a migrant worker in Saudi Arabia. ^2,4

The original five-year term and fine may still matter: officials have said it is unclear whether Sivarasa must serve that sentence or face further proceedings. His legal team is reviewing the Supreme Court ruling, while Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has promised continued support for Sivarasa and his family. The next step is for the legal team to clarify how the ruling affects his detention and the rest of the case. ^3,4,18