Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan migrant worker for alleged blasphemy against Islam, the Sri Lankan government said on Wednesday.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision in a post on X, thanking Saudi Arabia for the outcome and acknowledging the efforts made by officials from both countries.
Sivarasa’s family had not received an update on his condition since September 28, according to the BBC.
The Sri Lankan government had earlier said it was closely following the case. The Supreme Court’s decision comes after weeks of concern in Sri Lanka over the case, with the government pursuing diplomatic efforts and Sivarasa’s family appealing for his life to be spared. The Al-Ahsa Criminal Court initially sentenced Sivarasa to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals.
The case took a turn last month after prosecutors sought to have him tried under Sharia law. The appellate court approved the request, paving the way for the death sentence.
