Press Release

ICHRRF ADOPTS ANOJAN SIVARASA AS A PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE, CALLS FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM SAUDI ARABIAN PRISON

ICHRRF Declares That the Incarceration of a Young Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu Expatriate for Exercising Freedom of Expression Raises Serious Human Rights Concerns

November 6, 2026

The US-based International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF) has formally decided to adopt Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu expatriate engineer, currently incarcerated in a Saudi Arabian prison, as a Prisoner of Conscience. His case represents a disturbing instance of the alleged misuse of blasphemy laws and the criminalization of peaceful expression, raising serious concerns about freedom of speech, freedom of belief, due process, and the fundamental human rights of expatriate workers.

By adopting Anojan Sivarasa as a Prisoner of Conscience, ICHRRF places his case within the broader international struggle to defend individuals who face imprisonment, persecution, or threats to their lives for peacefully expressing their opinions, beliefs, or convictions. ICHRRF considers that no individual should be deprived of liberty, subjected to intimidation, or exposed to the threat of capital punishment merely for expressing an opinion, particularly when such expression originates outside the jurisdiction of the country pursuing prosecution.

ICHRRF calls for immediate intervention by the United Nations, national governments, international human rights organizations, interfaith institutions, and the global civil society to ensure Anojan Sivarasa's physical safety, prevent any form of torture or ill-treatment, and secure his immediate and unconditional release. He has reportedly remained incarcerated in Saudi Arabia since July 1, 2026.

Background: An Alleged Case of Persecution for Freedom of Expression

According to information available to ICHRRF, the events leading to Anojan Sivarasa's incarceration originated in Sri Lanka, where disparaging remarks were allegedly made by social media users about a Hindu deity. In response to these remarks concerning his own religious tradition, Anojan reportedly posted comments in Tamil on Facebook. His comments were subsequently translated into Arabic and transmitted to his employers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by individuals in Sri Lanka who objected to his views.

Reportedly, Anojan deleted the Facebook comment within approximately five minutes and subsequently issued an unconditional public apology. Nevertheless, the matter escalated into a criminal case in Saudi Arabia, ultimately resulting in his incarceration.

ICHRRF is deeply concerned that this sequence of events suggests deliberate provocation, possible malicious targeting, and the instrumentalization of religious sensitivities to initiate criminal proceedings against a young expatriate professional. If the reported circumstances are established, this case raises serious questions about whether social media content originating in Sri Lanka has been used to justify prosecution in Saudi Arabia, despite the absence of a demonstrated legitimate jurisdictional basis.

The Commission believes that the prosecution of Anojan Sivarasa raises fundamental questions about the extraterritorial application of national laws, the protection of freedom of expression, and the right to a fair trial. The fact that an individual is employed in a particular country should not automatically expose him to criminal prosecution for peaceful online expression originating in another sovereign country.

ICHRRF is particularly concerned by reports that the prosecution has pursued an appeal before the Sharia court, rather than the ordinary criminal court, reportedly seeking a more severe punishment, potentially including the death penalty. Any attempt to impose capital punishment for peaceful expression or an alleged social media comment would be wholly disproportionate and fundamentally incompatible with internationally recognized human rights principles.

The Commission further emphasizes that appropriate consular access, effective legal representation, and internationally recognized procedural safeguards must be guaranteed to every foreign national facing criminal prosecution. The circumstances surrounding Anojan's detention demand urgent scrutiny by the international human rights community.

ICHRRF: Adoption as a Prisoner of Conscience

ICHRRF's decision to adopt Anojan Sivarasa as a Prisoner of Conscience is an expression of institutional solidarity with an individual whose liberty and security are reportedly threatened because of the exercise of freedom of expression.

The Commission considers freedom of speech and expression indispensable foundations of a democratic and pluralistic international order. Freedom of religion must protect not only the right to practice one's religion but also the right to defend, discuss, and express one's religious convictions without fear of imprisonment or persecution.

The Commission stresses that freedom of expression cannot become a privilege reserved for individuals whose opinions are acceptable to the religious or political establishment. It must equally protect unpopular, dissenting, and minority viewpoints, provided they do not cross the legally recognized threshold of incitement to violence or other narrowly defined restrictions consistent with international human rights law.

ICHRRF President Dr. Adityanjee stated:

"Anojan Sivarasa is someone’s son, someone’s brother, and someone’s friend. Today, Anojan Sivarasa is our son, our brother, and our friend. Today, all of us are Anojan Sivarasa!

ICHRRF has adopted him as a Prisoner of Conscience because freedom of speech, freedom of belief, and human dignity are universal human rights. No young man should have to fear imprisonment, torture, or death for expressing his views on matters of personal religious conviction.

We cannot remain silent when a young expatriate professional faces the prospect of losing his liberty and potentially his life over a social media comment. His physical safety must be guaranteed, and he must be released immediately.

Continued incarceration serves no legitimate purpose. Fairness, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights must take precedence over punitive approaches to religious expression. We appeal to the Saudi authorities to demonstrate compassion, restraint, and respect for international human rights obligations."

Dr. Adityanjee further emphasized that the international community cannot remain indifferent to the vulnerability of expatriate workers and professionals who may find themselves without adequate legal protection when confronted with allegations involving religious sensitivities in their host countries.

A Broader Challenge to International Human Rights

The case of Anojan Sivarasa is not merely an individual legal matter. It raises broader concerns about the application of blasphemy laws, the protection of religious minorities, and the vulnerability of migrant workers in countries where freedom of expression is severely restricted.

ICHRRF believes that religious harmony cannot be achieved through fear, intimidation, or criminal prosecution of individuals expressing their religious convictions. Mutual respect among religious communities requires tolerance, dialogue, and the protection of everyone's fundamental rights.

The Commission also recalls the international concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Türkiye, in 2018, as documented by international investigations. Such cases underscore the importance of independent international scrutiny whenever serious allegations concerning the safety and treatment of individuals arise.

ICHRRF therefore believes that Anojan Sivarasa's physical security cannot be treated as a matter of routine diplomatic correspondence. His case requires urgent international attention, independent monitoring, and a credible mechanism to ensure his safe release and repatriation.

ICHRRF Calls for Immediate International Intervention

In view of the gravity of the situation, the International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom urgently calls upon the following:

1. Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ICHRRF demands that the Saudi authorities immediately guarantee Anojan Sivarasa's physical safety and ensure that he is not subjected to torture, physical abuse, intimidation, or any form of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The authorities must immediately discontinue any proceedings seeking capital punishment for peaceful expression, reconsider the basis of his prosecution, and release him without further delay.

The Commission further calls for his safe transfer into the custody of Sri Lankan diplomatic representatives, with appropriate independent humanitarian monitoring, including the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross, subject to the applicable arrangements.

2. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Relevant UN Agencies

ICHRRF calls upon the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of religion or belief, torture, and extrajudicial or arbitrary executions, and other relevant UN mechanisms to urgently intervene.

The United Nations should seek immediate clarification from Saudi authorities regarding his legal status, physical condition, access to legal representation, and the reported possibility of capital punishment. ICHRRF also urges the United Nations to facilitate arrangements for his safe and expedited repatriation to Sri Lanka, including appropriate diplomatic and logistical coordination.

3. Government of Sri Lanka

ICHRRF urges the Government of Sri Lanka to intensify diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia and treat the matter as an urgent consular and human rights priority. Sri Lankan authorities must ensure effective consular protection, independent legal assistance, and regular verification of Anojan's physical condition.

The Government should pursue every available diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian avenue to secure his immediate release and safe return to Sri Lanka.

4. International Human Rights Organizations, Civil Society, Religious Leaders, and Governments Worldwide

ICHRRF appeals to international human rights organizations, religious freedom advocates, interfaith institutions, and governments worldwide to recognize Anojan Sivarasa as a Prisoner of Conscience and join the campaign for his immediate release.

The Commission calls for coordinated international advocacy against the use of capital punishment for peaceful expression and urges governments to reconsider and repeal blasphemy laws that are incompatible with internationally recognized human rights protections.

5. International Labour Organization and International Human Rights Community

ICHRRF calls upon the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the broader international human rights community to address the vulnerability of expatriate professionals and migrant workers facing prosecution for alleged expression-related offenses.

Migrant workers must enjoy effective legal protection, access to justice, freedom of belief, and protection against arbitrary detention, irrespective of their nationality or religious affiliation. Employment in a foreign country must not result in the loss of fundamental human rights.

A Global Appeal: Freedom of Expression Is Not a Crime

ICHRRF's adoption of Anojan Sivarasa as a Prisoner of Conscience is a solemn commitment to defend his fundamental rights and to ensure that his plight does not disappear from international attention.

The Commission reiterates that freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and the right to life are universal human rights that transcend national boundaries, religious identities, and political systems.

A social media comment should never become a death sentence. Religious disagreement should never become an instrument of persecution. And no young man should be abandoned by the international community because he belongs to a religious minority or is an expatriate living far from his homeland.

ICHRRF calls upon the international community to stand together for Anojan Sivarasa. His immediate release, safe return to Sri Lanka, and protection of his fundamental rights must become an international human rights priority.

Today, we stand with Anojan Sivarasa. Today, we stand for freedom of speech. Today, we stand for human dignity.

About ICHRRF

The International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF) is a US-based human rights advocacy organization committed to protecting fundamental human rights, religious freedom, freedom of expression, human dignity, and justice. Through education, public awareness, advocacy, and international engagement, ICHRRF works to promote universal human rights and defend individuals and communities facing religious persecution and violations of fundamental freedoms.

Media Contact:

International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF)

Email: erik.kalasunas@ichrrf.onmicrosoft.com

Website: https://www.ichrrf.org/