Full Breakdown
Saudi Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence for Sri Lankan Migrant Worker
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Background and Legal Timeline
Anujan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old migrant from Kalmunai, was arrested on 2 July after a Facebook comment insulting the Prophet Muhammad was reported by his employer. The Al-Ahsa Criminal Court first sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of 3 million Saudi riyals under the cyber-crime law. On 17 September, prosecutors appealed for the case to be tried under Sharia law, and the court subsequently imposed the death penalty for blasphemy. A four-member Sri Lankan legal team filed a clemency appeal with the Saudi Supreme Court. The supreme court announced its reversal of the death sentence in early October. During his detention, Anujan was moved to a new cell after an assault by a cellmate; Sri Lankan ambassador Omar Lebbe Ameer Ajwad visited him on 8 October and reported he was in good health. The family has not heard from him since 28 September.
Official Statements & Responses
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister X. Saudi authorities have not disclosed whether Anujan will now serve a prison term or face further proceedings.
Criticism & Opposition
Six Tamil-speaking Sri Lankan lawmakers appealed to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud for clemency, emphasizing that Anujan’s remarks were not intended to offend Islam.
Data & Statistics
Human Rights Watch noted that Saudi Arabia carried out at least 356 executions in 2025, up from 345 in 2024, making it one of the world’s leading executioners. The initial fine of 3 million riyals (? £600,000) underscores the financial penalties attached to cyber-crime convictions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sentencing a migrant worker to death over a Facebook comment that he has publicly apologised for is an outrageous overreaction from Saudi authorities amid a surge in executions,” — Joey Shea, a Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch
- “My Government will continue to extend all necessary support to Anojan and his family as the remaining legal processes conclude.” — X. He, lankan foreign minister
