Former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has urged Saudi Arabian authorities to grant clemency to Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa following reports that his five-year prison sentence has been escalated to a death sentence over an offensive social media comment.
Expressing deep concern over the reported development, Sabry said Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry had not confirmed the death sentence and that the formal written judgment was still awaited.
“Respect for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and legal system does not require silence in the face of disproportionate punishment,” Sabry said.
He described a five-year prison sentence for an offensive social media comment as excessive, adding that imposing the death penalty for such an act would be “grossly disproportionate, inhumane and unacceptable.”
Sabry said reports that Sivarasa had removed the comment within minutes and issued a public video apology deserved serious consideration.
“An offensive remark should not extinguish a person’s opportunity to repent, learn and rebuild his life,” he said.
Referring to his Islamic faith, Sabry emphasized the importance of mercy and compassion in responding to human failings.
“As a Muslim, I believe deeply in Allah’s mercy. We invoke Him as the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Those values must also guide our response to human failings,” he said.
He added that the ultimate judgment of a person’s faith and sincerity rests with the Almighty.
The former foreign minister called on the Sri Lankan government to secure effective legal assistance for Sivarasa and pursue urgent diplomatic intervention at the highest level.
“I respectfully urge the Saudi authorities to show mercy and grant Anojan clemency,” Sabry said.
“Justice must leave room for compassion. Anojan deserves the chance to return to his family and rebuild his life.”
The reported death sentence remains unconfirmed by Sri Lankan authorities, pending the formal written judgment. (Newswire)
