Sri Lankan Death Row Prisoner Sivarasa Anojan Attacked in Saudi Prison

Serious concerns have been raised over the safety of Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, who is facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, following reports that he was attacked by fellow inmates inside the prison.

Social activist Rajkumar Rajeevkanth said he had received information that Anojan sustained injuries to his head during the alleged assault.

Rajeevkanth expressed concern that Anojan could face further attacks and that his life and physical safety may be at risk while he remains in prison.

He urged the Saudi prison authorities, the Sri Lankan Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia to intervene immediately and take all necessary measures to ensure Anojan’s safety.

He also called for Anojan to receive immediate medical treatment for his injuries and for an investigation to be conducted into the reported attack.

Rajeevkanth stressed that regardless of the charges or sentence against Anojan, authorities have a responsibility to protect the life and physical well-being of a person in state custody.

He urged the relevant authorities to act without delay to prevent any further attack or more serious incident.