Saudi Supreme Court reverses death penalty for Sri Lankan worker over Facebook post

Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has nullified the death sentence previously imposed on Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa, aged 27, for a Tamil-language Facebook reply that insulted the Prophet Muhammad. The comment followed a viral video that sparked religious arguments online, and although Sivarasa deleted the post and issued an apology video, a screenshot led to his arrest and conviction for blasphemy. Earlier, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of three million Saudi riyals.

Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra announced the Supreme Court's decision on Facebook, expressing gratitude to the legal teams of both nations. Sri Lankan MP Faizer Mustafa confirmed the overturn and noted that authorities are reviewing the latest ruling. Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch’s Joey Shea, urged Saudi authorities to cease using severe laws against speech offenses, especially for vulnerable migrant workers.