The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence imposed on a Sri Lankan migrant worker for a Facebook statement, according to Colombo’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra.
Anojan Sivarasa, 27, was sentenced to death in September after a Saudi appellate court found him guilty of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad for his remarks. The case sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka, prompting diplomatic efforts to seek a pardon.
Saudi Arabia’s top court overturned the conviction on Wednesday, Hemachandra said in a Facebook post, thanking both countries’ government and legal teams for their efforts. In late June, footage of a young Muslim guy kicking a dog while following Hindu pilgrims went viral on social media, sparking religious debates.
During the argument, one member made disparaging remarks about a Hindu god, prompting Sivarasa to respond in Tamil, attacking the Prophet Muhammad. Although Sivarasa quickly deleted the statement and posted an apology video, a screenshot was shared with his employer and Saudi officials, leading to his detention in July.
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