Amnesty International has called for the immediate revocation of the death sentence imposed by Saudi Arabia on Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan.
In a statement, the organisation said Anojan should be released immediately and unconditionally, as the charge against him is based entirely on his right to freedom of expression.
Anojan was arrested over allegations that he had posted a comment on his social media account deemed to be insulting to the Prophet Muhammad. He was subsequently sentenced to death by a Saudi Arabian appeals court.
Amnesty International stressed that no one should be imprisoned or subjected to punishment such as the death penalty simply for expressing their views.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia is scheduled to visit the Dammam prison today (08) to look into the situation of Anojan, who is currently being held there.
The Ambassador is also expected to inquire into an incident in which Anojan was allegedly assaulted and injured by another inmate while in custody.
Meanwhile, a Sri Lankan delegation currently in Saudi Arabia to pursue an appeal before the Saudi Supreme Court against the death sentence imposed on Anojan is expected to continue its efforts today.
Parliamentarian Faizer Musthapha said that legal advice had also been obtained from Saudi lawyers yesterday (07) regarding the case.
He said they hope to file Anojan’s appeal before the 17th of this month.
