Saudi Arabia urged to spare man sentenced to death over Facebook post
A 24-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker faces the death penalty in Saudi Arabia after being convicted of blasphemy for a social media comment. His family and government are currently seeking clemency amidst a lack of communication from Saudi authorities.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe legal risks for foreign workers in Saudi Arabia regarding blasphemy laws and the lack of transparency in the kingdom's judicial and execution processes.
Image source, Anojan Sivarasa's Facebook page Image caption, Anojan Sivarasa's family have not heard from him for more than a week
"I plead for mercy for the wrongs committed by my son. Please forgive him and send him back to us."
Speaking through tears, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi made a desperate plea for the life of her eldest son, Anojan Sivarasa. The 24-year-old migrant worker is facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia after an appellate court found him guilty of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad over a comment he made on Facebook.
The case has sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka, sparking widespread concern and civil society petitions across the country. Multiple political parties and government bodies have co-ordinated diplomatic efforts seeking clemency.
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