The family of a Sri Lankan youth sentenced by a Saudi Arabian court to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of SAR 3 million has appealed for international assistance, saying they cannot afford the legal costs required to challenge the verdict.
The parents of Sivarasa Anojan, from Natpiddimunai in Kalmunai, have written to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, requesting support to secure a reduction of his sentence and facilitate his return to Sri Lanka.
According to the family, Anojan was convicted by the Criminal Court in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, over a Facebook post deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.
A letter issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism’s Consular Affairs Division, dated July 31, states that the Saudi court sentenced him to:
Five years’ imprisonment, calculated from the date of his initial detention.
A fine of SAR 3 million.
Confiscation of the electronic device used in the offence.
Closure of the social media account linked to the case.
The ministry’s letter notes that an appeal may be filed within 30 days of receiving the judgment. It also states that, based on legal advice obtained by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, the chances of a successful appeal or sentence reduction are considered “extremely low.”
According to the letter, legal representation for an appeal would cost SAR 20,000, while preparing and submitting the appeal memorandum alone would cost SAR 5,000. The Embassy has advised that any legal expenses must be borne by the defendant.
In their appeal to the UN, Anojan’s parents said their son is the family’s main breadwinner and that they are facing severe financial hardship.
They said they are unable to pay either the court-imposed fine or the legal costs needed to pursue an appeal, and urged the UN to consider the matter on humanitarian grounds by assisting efforts to reduce his sentence and help bring him back to Sri Lanka.
The family has also sought financial assistance for any legal action required to pursue the case in Saudi Arabia. (Newswire)