Hindu group seeks Centre's help after Sri Lankan Tamil gets death sentence in Saudi Arabia over Facebook comment

The worker has been identified as Sivarasa Anojan, alias Sivarajan Anojan, from Narpittimunai in Kalmunai in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.

Published on: Sep 26, 2026, 23:20:41 IST

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Munnani on Wednesday submitted a petition to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commission in Nungambakkam, Chennai, seeking intervention in the case of a Sri Lankan Tamil worker sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia over alleged remarks against Islam, news agency ANI reported.

The organisation also urged the Indian government to intervene in the matter.

The worker has been identified as Sivarasa Anojan, alias Sivarajan Anojan, from Narpittimunai in Kalmunai in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. He is facing the death penalty over a Facebook comment considered derogatory towards Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

Five-year sentence enhanced to death penalty

Anojan was initially sentenced on July 15 by the Al-Ahsa Criminal Court to five years in prison and a fine of three million Saudi Riyals. The punishment was imposed under the first paragraph of Article 6 of Saudi Arabia's Anti-Cyber Crime Law.

The Saudi prosecution later appealed against the sentence. About three days ago, the top court in Saudi Arabia enhanced the five-year prison term to a death sentence.

Hindu Munnani seeks intervention

Speaking to reporters later, Hindu Munnani State Spokesperson A.T. Elangovan said, "We are going to meet the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner and submit a petition. An Islamist in Sri Lanka had posted derogatory content against Lord Shiva on social media. In response, Anojan, who is a Tamil-speaking Sri Lankan, questioned it and the exchange continued. He raised a question about the Prophet. Someone complained to the Saudi government in Arabic about Anojan's post. Anojan also tendered a public apology. Despite that, he was sentenced to imprisonment with a fine of ₹7 crore. Later, the higher court awarded death sentence and a fine of ₹10 crore. The sentence should be stayed."

He said the matter should be taken up not only with the Sri Lankan envoy but also by the Indian Prime Minister.

"Is such a huge punishment for something written on Facebook? This must be stopped," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)

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