ITAK seeks India, US intervention to save Lankan on Saudi death row

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has called upon the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the US Embassy to intercede on behalf of Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan man facing execution in Saudi Arabia. ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam disclosed that a delegation of party members made this request during their meetings with officials from the two embassies on Wednesday, 23rd.

Concurrently, a gathering of Hindu supporters conducted a candlelight vigil outside Colombo Fort Railway Station that night, urging authorities to spare Anojan's life. The Borella Paththini Devalaya's chief priest, S. Vinayagan Kurukkal, who took part in the protest, stated that they were reaching out to both the Sri Lankan and Saudi governments to intervene and save Anojan's life.

President’s Counsel Faizer Mustapha and President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma have already embarked on legal proceedings to secure Anojan's release. These attorneys journeyed to the Maldives on Wednesday and met with former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, requesting his help in the matter. Mustapha explained that Nasheed was chosen as the intermediary due to the Maldives' strong ties with the Saudi Arabian Government.

The two lawyers are also expected to visit Saudi Arabia in the days ahead as part of their endeavor to prevent Anojan from being handed over to the death penalty.