Saudi Arabia urged to spare man sentenced to death over Facebook post
The mother of 24-year-old Anojan Sivarasa pleads for mercy after a Saudi appellate court sentenced him to death over a Facebook comment.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Anojan Sivarasa, 24, faces the death penalty in Saudi Arabia
- The case stems from a social media dispute and a controversial comment
- Sri Lankan government and family are actively pursuing diplomatic clemency
"I plead for mercy for the wrongs committed by my son. Please forgive him and send him back to us." Speaking through tears, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi made a desperate plea for the life of her eldest son, Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old migrant worker facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia after an appellate court found him guilty of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
The case has triggered profound concern across Sri Lanka, prompting civil society petitions, political coordination, and diplomatic efforts. However, the family has received no updates regarding his condition since September 28, and the Sri Lankan government has instructed them to withhold further statements while diplomatic channels work on the case.
The ordeal began following an online dispute tied to a Hindu pilgrimage incident in Sri Lanka in late June, where a video of a man kicking a dog sparked heated religious arguments. Amid the exchange, Anojan posted a Tamil response insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Although he promptly deleted the comment and posted an apology video, screenshots were sent to his employer and Saudi authorities, leading to his July arrest.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Initially, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court sentenced Anojan to five years in prison and a fine of 3 million Saudi riyals. However, the case shifted dramatically on September 17 when prosecutors successfully appealed for him to be prosecuted under Sharia law instead of cybercrime legislation, resulting in the appellate court upgrading his sentence to death.
"I plead for mercy for the wrongs committed by my son. Please forgive him and send him back to us."
Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Anojan's family on September 21, assuring them that the government will exhaust all efforts to secure a presidential pardon. Furthermore, cross-religious leaders have submitted a memorandum, and a four-member Sri Lankan legal delegation is traveling to Saudi Arabia this week to consult local defense lawyers.
This case highlights the strict legal framework in Saudi Arabia concerning online speech and religious offenses, which can carry severe penalties. International human rights organizations have repeatedly emphasized that low-wage migrant workers are particularly vulnerable within foreign legal systems due to language barriers and limited access to robust legal representation.
Source: BBC World
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