Sri Lankan National Spared Death Sentence In Saudi Arabia Over Prophet Muhammad Remarks

Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, 24, has been spared the death penalty in Saudi Arabia after the kingdom’s Supreme Court set aside his sentence on October 13, following diplomatic and legal efforts by Colombo. However, it remains unclear whether he will be released or must serve an earlier prison sentence.

A mechanical engineering graduate from Uva Wellassa University, Anojan moved to Saudi Arabia in September 2025 to work as a technical engineer at a battery factory. His case began in June 2026 after a video showing a Muslim man kicking a dog during a Hindu pilgrimage in Sri Lanka triggered a heated debate on social media.

During the online argument, a user allegedly posted derogatory remarks about Hindu deity Lord Shiva, prompting Anojan to respond with an insulting comment about Prophet Muhammad. He subsequently deleted the comment within about 10 minutes and apologised, according to his family.

However, screenshots of the post were reportedly sent to his employer in Saudi Arabia, leading to his arrest in July. Authorities seized his electronic devices and deleted his social media accounts.

On July 27, the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court sentenced Anojan to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals. The case took a dramatic turn on September 17, when prosecutors sought to pursue the matter under Sharia law rather than the country’s cybercrime legislation. He was subsequently sentenced to death.

The sentence triggered appeals from his family, Sri Lankan politicians and international human rights organisations. His mother pleaded for mercy, while Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for the sentence to be overturned.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Anojan’s family in September and assured them that the government would pursue diplomatic efforts to secure clemency. Sri Lankan officials also engaged with Saudi authorities, while a legal team filed an appeal before the kingdom’s Supreme Court.

On October 13, the court set aside the death sentence, prompting relief in Sri Lanka. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath thanked the Saudi government and those involved in the diplomatic and legal efforts.

However, the ruling does not necessarily mean Anojan has been freed. Authorities have yet to clarify whether his original five-year prison sentence and fine remain in force or whether further legal proceedings will follow.