Saudi Arabia urged to spare Sri Lankan sentenced to death over Facebook post

Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Sri Lanka, is facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia after being found guilty of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad due to a comment he made on Facebook. His family has not heard from him for over a week, prompting his mother, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi, to make a heartfelt plea:

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"I plead for mercy for the wrongs committed by my son. Please forgive him and send him back to us."

The case has sparked widespread concern in Sri Lanka, leading to civil society petitions and coordinated diplomatic efforts by multiple political parties and government bodies seeking clemency for Anojan. However, the family has received no updates on his condition since September 28. The Sri Lankan government has advised the family to refrain from making further statements while diplomatic efforts are underway.

Saudi authorities have not provided an official timeline for the execution, and it remains uncertain when the sentence will be carried out. Historically, Saudi Arabia has executed individuals without prior warning to families or foreign embassies, only informing relatives post-execution.

The prosecution stemmed from a social media dispute that arose during a Hindu pilgrimage in Sri Lanka. In late June, a video circulated showing a young Muslim man kicking a dog, which ignited religious tensions online. Following derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, Anojan responded in Tamil with an insult directed at the Prophet Muhammad. Although he deleted the comment and issued an apology, it was screenshot and reported to his employer and Saudi officials, leading to his arrest in July.