Initially sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of three million Saudi riyals under Saudi cybercrime law, his case escalated when prosecutors appealed for a trial under Sharia law, resulting in a death sentence on September 17.

Sivarasa became embroiled in a social media religious dispute after another user insulted a Hindu deity, leading him to comment derogatively about the Prophet Muhammad. Although he deleted the comment shortly after posting and issued an apology in a video, it was circulated, leading to his arrest in July.

His family has not heard from him since September 28, and no execution date has been announced. Humanists UK has urged the British Government to intervene and has launched a petition to advocate for Sivarasa’s release, emphasizing the right to free speech about religion. Chief Executive Andrew Copson insisted that the UK Foreign Secretary should address the matter with Saudi authorities, condemning the death penalty for such comments.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government is working towards securing a pardon, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake meeting Sivarasa’s family to assure them of efforts for his release. A legal delegation has been sent to Saudi Arabia, and local religious leaders have joined in calling for government intervention, submitting memoranda to the presidential secretariat.

Despite international criticism of Saudi Arabia’s stringent penalties for online speech, blasphemy executions are rare when compared to other severe offenses. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding freedom of speech and the application of blasphemy laws in various jurisdictions.