audi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on a 24-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker, Anojan Sivarasa, over a Facebook comment deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad and Islam.
The decision, delivered on October 13, 2026, was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Hemachandra, on Wednesday, October 14, following diplomatic and legal efforts by the Sri Lankan government to challenge the sentence.
According to Sri Lankan media outlet Newswire, the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism confirmed that the Saudi Supreme Court had set aside the death sentence, describing the development as a significant breakthrough in efforts to secure a favourable outcome for Sivarasa.
Hemachandra also expressed appreciation to the Saudi Arabian government for its cooperation, acknowledging the contributions of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic officials, legal representatives, and other individuals involved in the case.
However, although the latest ruling has removed the threat of execution under the overturned judgment, questions remain about whether Sivarasa will still be required to serve his original prison sentence.
How the Case Began
Sivarasa’s case reportedly began in late June 2026 following an online dispute that developed after a video involving Hindu pilgrims and a dog circulated on social media in Sri Lanka.
The video triggered heated exchanges among social media users. During the argument, a user reportedly posted derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity, prompting Sivarasa to respond in Tamil with a comment about Prophet Muhammad.
Saudi authorities subsequently considered his comment offensive to Islam and the Prophet.
According to reports, Sivarasa deleted the comment shortly after posting it and later published an apology video expressing remorse over his remarks.
However, screenshots of the deleted comment continued to circulate online.
His brother, Hamsidan, reportedly told the BBC that individuals in Sri Lanka contacted Sivarasa’s employer in Saudi Arabia by email, drawing attention to the social media post.
The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the Saudi authorities, leading to Sivarasa’s arrest.
Initial Five-Year Prison Sentence
Sivarasa was arrested on July 1, 2026, according to human rights organisation Amnesty International.
The Al-Ahsa Criminal Court subsequently convicted him under Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cyber Crime Law in connection with the social media comment.
On July 27, the court sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to approximately $800,000.
The court also ordered the confiscation of his electronic device and the closure of his Facebook account, according to court documents reviewed by Human Rights Watch.
The case took a more serious turn when the initial judgment was challenged on appeal.
On September 17, 2026, the Saudi Court of Appeal in the Eastern Region reportedly increased the punishment to death, replacing the earlier prison sentence and financial penalty.
The decision triggered widespread concern among human rights advocates and renewed efforts by Sivarasa’s family and the Sri Lankan government to prevent his execution.
Sri Lankan Government Launches Diplomatic and Legal Efforts
Following the death sentence, the Sri Lankan government intensified efforts to secure a review of the judgment through diplomatic, consular, and legal channels.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Ministerial officials, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath were involved in efforts to address the situation, according to statements from Sri Lankan officials.
The government also supported the deployment of a special legal delegation to Saudi Arabia to pursue available legal options.
The delegation included Additional Solicitor General Azad Navavi, President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, and attorney Hafeel Farisz.
The lawyers worked alongside Sri Lankan diplomatic officials and Saudi legal representatives to challenge the death sentence.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, also engaged with Saudi authorities as part of the efforts to secure a favourable outcome.
According to Newswire, an appeal challenging the death sentence was filed before the Saudi Supreme Court on October 11.
The court subsequently set aside the death sentence on October 13, providing significant relief to Sivarasa and his family.
The Sri Lankan government expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities, diplomatic officials, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and the legal teams involved in the case.
Human Rights Concerns Over the Sentence
The case attracted international attention, with human rights organisations raising concerns about the imposition of the death penalty over a social media comment.
Before the latest ruling, Amnesty International called on Saudi Arabia to overturn the sentence and release Sivarasa immediately and unconditionally.
The organisation argued that the case raised serious concerns about freedom of expression, access to legal representation, and the use of capital punishment for non-violent conduct.
Amnesty International also reported that Sivarasa had said he made the comment in a moment of anger, subsequently deleted it, and published an apology video.
Human Rights Watch similarly urged Saudi authorities to reverse the death sentence, arguing that no one should face execution for a comment concerning religion.
The organisations’ interventions added to the international attention surrounding the case as Sri Lankan authorities pursued legal and diplomatic measures.
Death Sentence Overturned, but Legal Uncertainty Remains
Despite the latest development, Sivarasa’s legal situation has not been fully resolved.
Newswire reported that diplomatic sources had not confirmed whether he would still be required to serve the original five-year prison sentence imposed under Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cyber Crime Law or whether the entire conviction would be overturned.
The setting aside of the death sentence therefore does not automatically mean that Sivarasa has been acquitted, released from custody, or cleared of all charges.
Further clarification from the Saudi judicial authorities and the Sri Lankan government will be necessary to determine his remaining legal obligations and whether he will be allowed to return home.
