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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Man who insulted the Prophet Muhammad has death penalty overturned in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Death Penalty
  • Saudi Arabia ’s supreme court has overturned the death penalty handed to Sri Lankan migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa for a Facebook post insulting the Prophet Muhammad .
  • The 24-year-old was initially sentenced to five years in prison, but prosecutors successfully appealed to have him tried under Sharia law , resulting in a death sentence in September.
  • The decision to set aside the death penalty follows intensive diplomatic and legal efforts by the Sri Lankan government, which sent a legal team to Riyadh .
  • Sri Lanka ’s deputy foreign minister Arun Hemachandra confirmed the outcome and thanked Saudi Arabia for its cooperation in the matter.
  • It is not yet clear whether Sivarasa, who is currently held at Dammam Central Prison, will face a reduced prison sentence or fresh legal proceedings.

IN FULL

Saudi Arabia overturns death sentence of Sri Lankan man convicted over Facebook post

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