Appeal Filed With Saudi Supreme Court to Commute Anojan Sivarasa’s Death Sentence

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An appeal was filed with the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia yesterday, seeking leniency in the death sentence imposed on Anojan Sivarasa.

President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma said the appeal was filed through a law firm based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PC Kumarapperuma said the appeal will be taken up for hearing on a future date.

The special legal team consisting of President’s Counsels who travelled to Saudi Arabia to pursue efforts to have Anojan Sivarasa’s death sentence commuted is scheduled to return to the island today.

Additional Solicitor General and President’s Counsel Azad Navavi, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, and President’s Counsel Faizer Musthapha departed for Saudi Arabia last Tuesday (06).

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad visited Dammam Central Prison on the 8th of this month to inquire about Sivarasa’s well-being.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Ambassador confirmed that Sivarasa is in good health.

The Ambassador also met with the Director of Dammam Central Prison and the prison doctor.

Sivarasa was initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court in Saudi Arabia over a social media post.

Following the appeal made from Sivarasa’s side, the appeals court overturned the earlier ruling and imposed the death penalty after considering the appeals.

Sivarasa, a resident of Natpiddimunai in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka travelled to Saudi Arabia for employment nine months ago.