Lankan on Saudi death row: AI throws its weight behind to secure Anojan’s release

Amnesty International has called on Saudi Arabia to revoke the death sentence handed down to a Sri Lankan migrant worker, Anojan Sivarasa, for a controversial social media post. The 24-year-old was arrested on July 1, 2026, after posting a comment on Facebook deemed insulting to the prophet Mohammad. Initially sentenced to five years in prison and a SAR 3 million fine, his case was escalated to a death sentence by the Court of Appeal in September 2026.

Anojan has appealed the death sentence and his supporters, including Amnesty International, argue that his punishment is unjust and arbitrary, stemming from his exercise of his right to freedom of expression. The organization urges Saudi authorities to quash the death sentence, overturn his conviction, and release him immediately and unconditionally.

Amnesty International emphasizes that no one should be imprisoned or executed for merely expressing their views, even if considered insulting or offensive. The case highlights the Saudi criminal justice system's arbitrariness and the need for a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its full abolition.