Sri Lankan National Reportedly Sentenced to Death in Saudi Arabia; Appeals Underway

Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan has reportedly been sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, prompting urgent appeals for government intervention. The death sentence, issued by the Saudi Arabian Appellate Court, follows an initial five-year prison term and a SAR 3 million fine related to a social media comment. Reports vary on the comment's content, with some stating it was deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad and others linking it to an incident during a Hindu pilgrimage. Sri Lankan officials are reportedly pursuing legal and diplomatic efforts, including filing an appeal and seeking clemency. MPs and the man's mother have appealed for government action, while a silent protest was held in Hatton seeking a pardon.