A rare joint legal and diplomatic intervention by the government and opposition lawmakers has successfully secured the overturning of a death sentence handed to a Sri Lankan youth in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to The Daily News, Parliamentarian and President's Counsel Faiszer Musthapha said that the Saudi Supreme Court set aside the execution order against Anojan, a Sri Lankan youth originally convicted under cybercrime and religious offense laws.
The case has now been referred back to the Saudi High Court for re-hearing following a combined appeal funded and led by the Sri Lankan state alongside cross-party legal representatives.
Cross-party legal delegation
Highlighting the background of the intervention, Musthapha explained that Anojan had initially received a five-year prison sentence and a three million riyal fine for a cybercrime offense involving insults to religious figures.
Following an escalation to a capital sentence under Saudi legal frameworks, the youth's parents sought legal assistance, prompting Musthapha to partner directly with state authorities.
A three-member legal delegation comprising Musthapha, Upul Kumarapperuma, and Azad Navavi traveled to Saudi Arabia with the full authorization of the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The legal strategy navigated strict Saudi judicial categories, specifically distinguishing between pardonable offenses and divine law violations.
To ensure complete representation before the Saudi Supreme Court, the Sri Lankan state covered all associated judicial fees, retaining a specialized local defense team.
Musthapha noted that while the offense itself carried severe legal consequences, the primary objective was to spare the youth from execution and pursue sentence reductions or deportation through formal judicial channels.
National unity
Addressing political interpretations surrounding the joint mission, Musthapha rejected claims that the state intervention was driven by electoral motives regarding minority communities.
He emphasized that the delegation brought together a Muslim lawyer, a Sinhalese lawyer, and a Tamil youth under a unified national identity.
The opposition lawmaker commended the administration's willingness to finance the legal defense and entrust diplomatic responsibilities to opposition lawyers, describing the decision as an example of political maturity and national reconciliation.
Reflecting on future legislative and diplomatic engagements, Musthapha called for a broader shift in Sri Lanka's political culture regarding overseas citizen welfare.
He stated that national interests and the protection of citizens abroad must transcend party loyalties and ethnic divisions, urging both the government and opposition to maintain collaborative channels on matters of national importance.
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