Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence of Sri Lankan man convicted over Facebook post

Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence of Sri Lankan man convicted over Facebook post Supreme court order is seen as a major victory for Sri Lanka’s diplomatic efforts - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Saudi Arabia's supreme court has overturned the death penalty awarded to a Sri Lankan migrant worker for a Facebook comment insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old migrant worker from Kalmunai in Sri Lanka's eastern province, was sentenced to death in September for blasphemy after his online comment was brought to the attention of his Saudi employer. The case triggered a flurry of diplomatic efforts from the Sri Lankan government, which sent a four-member legal team to Riyadh to file a clemency appeal on Anojan's behalf. Saudi Arabia's apex court set aside the sentence on Tuesday, Sri Lanka's deputy foreign minister Arun Hemachandra said on Facebook. “This follows sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the government of Sri Lanka,” he added. More follows Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments