Saudi Arabia Overturns Death Penalty

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 6 Oct

   In late June, footage of a young Muslim man kicking a dog following Hindu pilgrims circulated widely on social media, triggering religious arguments online.

   2 outlets · BBC
2. 14 Oct

   Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence handed to a Sri Lankan migrant worker over a comment he made on Facebook, Colombo's Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said.

   3 outlets · BBC

Coverage 5 articles

• 14 Oct Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence of Sri Lankan man convicted over Facebook postSaudi Arabia’s supreme court has overturned a death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa for making an insulting comment about Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. Convicted in September, Sivarasa faced the death penalty after his online remark was reported to his employer and subsequently to Saudi authorities. Diplomatic efforts from Sri Lanka, including a legal team sent by its government…The Independent
• 14 Oct Saudi Supreme Court sets aside Sri Lankan migrant worker’s death penaltyOn October 14, 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court overturned a death sentence imposed on Anojan Sivarasa, a Sri Lankan migrant worker, for a blasphemous Facebook post. The court’s decision followed diplomatic and legal efforts by the Sri Lankan government and appeals from human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Anojan will face a new hearing in two weeks at the lower court that…The Hindu
• 14 Oct Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence for man over Facebook commentThe Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has overturned the death sentence imposed on Anojan Sivarasa, a 27-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker, for making an insulting comment about Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. Initially sentenced to death in September after being convicted of blasphemy against Islam and the Prophet, Sivarasa's case prompted diplomatic efforts between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia to seek clemency. The…BBC
• 9 Oct Sri Lanka appeals to Saudi Arabia to overturn migrant worker’s death penaltySri Lanka is working to appeal a death penalty ruling against Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, through the country's Supreme Court. The sentence stems from an online comment made on social media that was deemed blasphemous by Saudi courts. A team of lawyers and officials has been dispatched to file the appeal, hoping to mitigate what they see as harsh sentencing for Anojan’s alleged…The Hindu
• 6 Oct Saudi Arabia urged to spare man sentenced to death over Facebook postAnojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan migrant worker in Saudi Arabia, faces the death penalty after being found guilty of blasphemy for insulting Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. The case has garnered significant attention in Sri Lanka, with political parties and government bodies coordinating diplomatic efforts to seek clemency. Anojan's family appeals for mercy, highlighting that his comment was quickly deleted…BBC

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