SRI LANKAN WORKER SENTENCED TO DEATH IN SAUDI ARABIA OVER FACEBOOK POST ABOUT PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)

A Sri Lankan worker, Sivarasa Anojan, has reportedly been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook post containing remarks deemed derogatory towards Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

According to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Anojan travelled to Saudi Arabia for work in September 2025 and was arrested on July 2, 2026 after the post reportedly came to the attention of Saudi authorities.

He was initially sentenced by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court to five years in prison and a fine of SAR 3 million. However, following an appeal by the Saudi prosecution, the sentence was reportedly increased to the death penalty.

The Sri Lankan government has said it is pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues regarding the case.

Anoj an’s case has attracted attention in Sri Lanka, with authorities continuing discussions with Saudi officials regarding his situation.