We respectfully call on the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to stay the execution and commute the reported death sentence against Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, and to ensure a fair, humane review of his case.

According to public reports, Mr. Anojan is undergoing judicial proceedings in Saudi Arabia over alleged defamatory remarks against Islam. The case reportedly began after a social media dispute linked to an incident during a Hindu pilgrimage in Sri Lanka. Reports say derogatory remarks targeting Hindu beliefs and deities were circulated in Tamil online, and Mr. Anojan later posted a comment that Saudi authorities considered insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad. Those same reports say he deleted the post and apologised in a video shared on Facebook, but the comment had already been captured and reported to Saudi authorities.

We respect the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, its laws, and its religious traditions. We also respect the dignity of every faith and reject religious hatred and deliberate insult. At the same time, a death sentence is irreversible, and this is exactly why clemency matters. Justice can be firm without taking a life.

We therefore call on the competent Saudi authorities to provide full legal safeguards, access to counsel and consular assistance, and completion of all available appeals. We further ask His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia to exercise mercy and commute the sentence. A non-capital penalty would still uphold justice while preserving the chance to correct course.

We stand for justice, due process, and mercy. Save the life of Sivarasa Anojan.