Protests and signature campaigns were held in several parts of Sri Lanka calling for the release of Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan youth who now faces a death sentence in Saudi Arabia.
A protest was staged at Malliyappu junction in Hatton town, while a signature campaign was launched in Natpidimunai, Ampara, Anojan’s birthplace.
Organisers said the petition, urging the government to take appropriate diplomatic measures to secure his release, will be handed over to the Foreign Ministry.
The case stems from a social media comment allegedly posted by Sivarasa while working in Saudi Arabia, which was deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. His family said the comment was made during an online dispute involving religious communities in Sri Lanka.
On July 15, a Saudi court sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals.
His lawyer, supported by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, appealed the ruling seeking a reduction in punishment. However, according to his family, they have since been informed that the sentence was increased to capital punishment.
Several opposition MPs and former MPs have called on the government to intervene and ensure the release of Anojan, while the government has announced that it has already taken necessary measures in this regard. (Newswire)
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