By Paul Joseph
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on a 27-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker over a Facebook post deemed blasphemous against Islam and Prophet Muhammad, following diplomatic efforts by Sri Lanka and calls from international human rights groups.
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Hemachandra, announced the development on Wednesday, expressing appreciation to the authorities and legal teams of both countries for their efforts in the case.
The ruling offers a reprieve to Anojan Sivarasa, whose death sentence in September sparked widespread concern in Sri Lanka and prompted calls for Saudi Arabia to spare his life.
Hemachandra confirmed the decision in a Facebook post, although questions remain about Sivarasa’s detention and whether he will face further legal proceedings.
The case reportedly originated in late June when footage circulated on social media showing a young Muslim man kicking a dog following Hindu pilgrims. The video triggered heated exchanges among social media users over religious issues.
During the online dispute, a user allegedly posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, prompting Sivarasa to respond in Tamil with a comment insulting Prophet Muhammad.
Although the 27-year-old reportedly deleted the comment shortly afterwards and published an apology video, a screenshot of the post was brought to the attention of his employer and Saudi authorities.
He was subsequently arrested in July.
Before the death sentence was imposed, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court had sentenced Sivarasa to five years in prison and fined him three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately $800,000, according to reports.
In September, a Saudi appellate court convicted him of blasphemy against Islam and Prophet Muhammad and handed down the death sentence.
Faizer Mustafa, a Sri Lankan lawmaker involved in legal negotiations with Saudi Arabia over the case, confirmed that the Supreme Court had overturned the sentence.
However, he said the parties were still reviewing the latest ruling, leaving uncertainty over Sivarasa’s legal status and possible next steps.
It also remains unclear whether he will continue to be held in detention and, if so, for how long.
Sivarasa’s family had previously disclosed that they had not had direct contact with him since September 28, raising further concerns about his welfare.
International human rights organisations had also joined calls for Saudi Arabia to spare his life.
Joey Shea, a senior Saudi Arabia researcher at Human Rights Watch, urged Saudi authorities to end what the organisation described as the use of abusive laws to impose severe punishments for speech-related offences.
Shea also highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers, who may have limited access to legal protections.
While the Supreme Court’s decision removes the immediate threat of execution, the outcome of the broader case remains uncertain as the authorities review the ruling and the possibility of further legal proceedings.
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