Press Release

Along with several international Human Rights organizations, ICHRRF today called for immediate intervention by the United Nations, diplomatic authorities, and the international community to prevent execution and secure the release of a Sri Lankan youth sentenced to death by Saudi Arabia for a blasphemous Facebook post.

A US based International human rights organization calls for immediate intervention by the United Nations, national governments, diplomatic channels, and the international community to prevent execution and secure his immediate release.

The International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF) expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of the death sentence imposed upon Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu engineer, in Saudi Arabia following a Facebook comment alleged to have insulted the Prophet Muhammad in response to an offensive comment by someone about a Hindu God.  He reportedly deleted the Facebook comment within five minutes and issued an unconditional  public apology.

According to press reports, Sivarasa was arrested on July 1, 2026. On July 27, the Criminal Court in Al-Ahsa sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals, approximately US$800,000. On September 17, 2026, an appellate court increased his sentence to death.

Amnesty International reports that Sivarasa was denied access to legal representation from the time of his arrest until his initial sentencing.No individual should face imprisonment or execution solely for expressing an opinion, including an opinion considered offensive to religious beliefs.

Freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression are fundamental human rights. Governments have a responsibility to protect these freedoms while safeguarding all people from discrimination, intimidation, and violence.

The imposition of a death sentence for a nonviolent social media comment represents a profoundly disproportionate and irreversible punishment. It raises grave concerns about freedom of expression, religious liberty, due process, and the protection of foreign nationals under international human rights law.

ICHRRF emphasizes that respect for religious traditions must coexist with respect for human dignity and the fundamental right to life. Criticism of religious ideas, however objectionable it may be to others, cannot justify the deprivation of human life.

ICHHRF Calls for Immediate International Action

ICHRRF urgently calls upon:

1. The Government of Saudi Arabia to halt any execution proceedings, overturn the death sentence and conviction, ensure Sivarasa's safety and access to independent legal counsel, and facilitate his immediate release.

2. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant UN Special Rapporteurs to urgently examine this case, seek clarification from Saudi authorities, and advocate for protection of Sivarasa's fundamental rights.

3. The Government of Sri Lanka to intensify diplomatic engagement, provide consular protection and legal assistance, and pursue all available avenues to secure his release and safe repatriation.

4. International human rights organizations, civil society groups, religious leaders, and governments worldwide to raise awareness, engage diplomatic channels, and advocate for an end to the use of capital punishment for peaceful expression. Blasphemy laws must be abrogated internationally.

5. The international community to  support broader reforms protecting freedom of  belief, freedom of expression, due process, and the rights of migrant workers.

Statement from Dr. Adityanjee, President of ICHHRF

We, as human rights advocates across the world, express our deepest concern over the death sentence imposed upon this young man. In the twenty-first century, no government should condemn a human being to death for a social media comment or an alleged offense against religious beliefs. Human dignity, freedom of conscience, and the right to life must never be subordinated to the demand for religious conformity. We call upon Saudi Arabia to overturn this unjust and inhumane sentence. We urge the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and governments around the world to intervene before an irreversible tragedy occurs.

Our objective is clear: Anojan Sivarasa must be protected from execution, released from detention, and safely reunited with his family in Sri Lanka.

Silence in the face of such a grave injustice is unacceptable. Every voice matters, and every peaceful effort to defend human dignity can make a difference.

— Dr. Adityanjee, President, ICHHRF

An Urgent Appeal to the Global Community

ICHRRF calls upon people of all religions, cultures, nationalities, and political backgrounds to stand together in defense of universal human rights. This appeal is not directed against any religion or its followers. It is a call for governments everywhere to recognize that religious freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to life are protections that belong to every human being.

A person's life must never be the price of a Facebook comment.

ICHRRF urges immediate international action to prevent Anojan Sivarasa's execution and secure his freedom.

Every voice matters. Every life matters.

### About ICHHRF

The International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF) advocates for the protection of fundamental human rights, religious freedom, human dignity, and justice through education, awareness, and international engagement.

Media Contact:
International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF)
erik.kalasunas@ichrrf.onmicrosoft.com
https://www.ichrrf.org/ 

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