Anojan Sivarasa’s death sentence has been set aside by Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court, Sri Lankan officials said Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The ruling was issued on Tuesday, October 13, after a legal appeal supported by Sri Lanka’s government and diplomatic representatives in Saudi Arabia.
Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan national from the Kalmunai area, had faced capital punishment over a Facebook comment that Saudi authorities considered insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
Table of Contents
Anojan Sivarasa: Anojan Sivarasa death sentence overturned
Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra announced that the Saudi Supreme Court had set aside the judgment imposing the death penalty.
Hemachandra credited sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by Sri Lanka and expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities, Sri Lankan officials and the legal teams involved in the case.
The decision removes the immediate death sentence that had been imposed by a Saudi appeals court in September.
However, officials have not yet publicly clarified whether Sivarasa must continue serving the original prison sentence or whether the wider conviction has also been overturned.
How the Saudi Arabia case developed
Sivarasa was initially sentenced by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals, an amount reported as roughly US$800,000.
The original case centred on a social media comment that was treated by Saudi authorities as a serious religious offence and a violation of the country’s cybercrime rules.
After the initial judgment, the case went before an appeals court.
That court increased the punishment to death, creating an urgent diplomatic and legal crisis for Sivarasa’s family and the Sri Lankan government.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry confirmed in September that it was monitoring the proceedings through its embassy in Riyadh and working with Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels.
A special Sri Lankan legal delegation later travelled to Saudi Arabia to help prepare an appeal to the country’s Supreme Court, as part of the Sri Lankan government’s diplomatic and legal steps in the case.
What happens next for Sivarasa
The Supreme Court’s decision ends the death penalty ruling, but it does not by itself explain Sivarasa’s final legal status.
The remaining questions include whether the five-year sentence and three-million-riyal fine from the lower court remain in force, whether the case will be returned to another court, and whether Sivarasa could be released.
Sri Lankan officials have not announced a release date or confirmed that all charges have been dismissed.
The Sri Lankan government is expected to continue consular and legal discussions with Saudi authorities while the court’s decision is reviewed and implemented.
Why the ruling matters
The case drew significant attention in Sri Lanka because it involved a migrant worker facing the death penalty in a foreign country over online speech.
It also highlighted the risks faced by migrant workers who become involved in disputes on social media while subject to the laws of the country where they work.
For Sivarasa’s family, the decision provides relief from the immediate prospect of execution, although uncertainty remains until Saudi authorities clarify the sentence that will apply next.
The case also underscores the importance of consular support, access to legal representation and early communication with families when criminal proceedings involve citizens overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anojan Sivarasa?
Anojan Sivarasa is a Sri Lankan national from the Kalmunai area who was working in Saudi Arabia when he became involved in a criminal case over a Facebook comment.
Why was Anojan Sivarasa sentenced to death?
Saudi authorities treated a Facebook comment regarded as insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad as a serious religious and cybercrime offence.
Did Saudi Arabia cancel Anojan Sivarasa’s entire conviction?
That has not been confirmed. The Supreme Court set aside the death sentence, but officials have not clarified whether the original prison term and fine remain.
When did the Saudi Supreme Court issue its decision?
The decision was issued on October 13, 2026, and announced publicly by Sri Lankan officials on October 14, 2026.
What happens next in the case?
Sri Lankan officials are expected to continue discussions with Saudi authorities while the legal effect of the Supreme Court ruling and Sivarasa’s remaining sentence are clarified.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, the Supreme Court update and Sri Lanka’s diplomatic involvement were checked against Sri Lankan government information and official ministry statements.
Disclaimer: The final status of Sivarasa’s original prison sentence, fine and possible release had not been publicly clarified at publication time.