Anojan Sivarasa, 27, was sentenced to death in September after being convicted of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad over his comment.
The minister appreciated the Saudi Arabia government, the Sri Lankan ambassador, the secretary and officials of the Foreign Ministry, chairman and members of Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and the legal teams of both countries for their dedicated efforts. It is not clear if Sivarasa will remain in detention and if there will be further legal proceedings. a screenshot of it was brought to the attention of his employer and Saudi officials, leading to his arrest in July Although he promptly deleted the comment and posted an apology video.
He said this verdict was due to sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by the government of Sri Lanka.
Hemachandra said, in a “major relief”, the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday set aside the death sentence imposed on Sivarasa.
The case sent shockwaves through Sri Lanka, initiating frantic diplomatic efforts to seek clemency. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Previously, Sri Lankan migrant worker Rizana Nafeek, who was sentenced to death, was executed despite efforts to secure clemency, Daily Mirror newspaper said.
