Adnkronos (Adnkronos) –
He posts a comment on Facebook, is arrested, and found guilty of blasphemy: he's now sentenced to death. This is the case involving Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan man sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, as reported by the BBC. The young man's family hasn't received any information since September 28th, and all appeals so far have been unsuccessful.
"I plead for clemency for the mistakes my son has made. Pardon him and send him back to us," said his mother, Rasamanickam Yogalakshmi. The Sri Lankan government, engaged in a complex diplomatic operation, has asked the young man's family to refrain from further public appearances.
Anojan was arrested after an argument that erupted on Facebook.
Debate ignited in June over an image of a dog being kicked by a Muslim during a Hindu pilgrimage in Sri Lanka. A heated religious debate erupted online, and Anojan posted a message in Tamil insulting the Prophet Muhammad. The young man immediately deleted the post and posted a video apology: too late.
The screenshot had already been forwarded to his employer and Saudi officials. Therefore, in July, he was arrested and his smartphone and PC were seized.
Authorities deleted the social media profiles of the 24-year-old, who was initially sentenced to five years in prison. On September 17, the prosecution filed an appeal, requesting a trial based on Sharia law, rather than simply the cybercrime law. The request was granted, and the young man was sentenced to death. The execution date has not been announced, and in the absence of official announcements, the family's hopes rest on the actions of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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