Colombo, Oct. 15 (Daily Mirror) - Human rights activist Rajkumar Rajeevkanth has welcomed the reported overturning of the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, describing the development as a moment of relief and renewed hope while stressing that efforts to secure his release must continue.
Rajeevkanth said the development had brought considerable relief to Anojan’s family and those who had campaigned for his life to be spared, but added that further official clarification was needed regarding his current sentence and the possibility of his release.
“This is more than a legal development. It is an emotional moment after weeks of uncertainty, fear and tireless efforts to secure justice for Anojan,” Rajeevkanth said in a statement issued yesterday (15).
He said he had been closely involved in efforts to assist Anojan, including communicating with his family, raising concerns about his legal situation and appealing to government authorities, lawyers and international human rights organisations for assistance.
According to Rajeevkanth, Anojan had initially received a five-year prison sentence and a fine of three million Saudi Riyals before subsequently facing the death penalty.
“The prospect of execution in a case linked to a social media comment raised serious concerns about the right to life, freedom of expression and proportionality in the administration of justice,” he said.
Rajeevkanth stressed that while freedom of expression did not exempt individuals from the law, the severity of any punishment had to be carefully considered, particularly when a human life was at stake.
He also highlighted the emotional toll the case had taken on Anojan’s family, saying their uncertainty and determination to save his life had strengthened his commitment to the campaign.
Welcoming the reported overturning of the death sentence, Rajeevkanth said the development offered hope that the immediate threat to Anojan’s life had been removed.
However, he cautioned against treating the development as the conclusion of the case.
“We are still awaiting further official clarification regarding the legal decision, Anojan’s current sentence and the possibility of his eventual release. Until those details are confirmed, considerable uncertainty remains about his future,” he said.
Rajeevkanth expressed appreciation to the lawyers, human rights defenders, diplomatic officials, journalists, civil society activists and members of the public who had raised concerns about Anojan’s situation. He also acknowledged the engagement of Amnesty International and those who had responded to his appeals.
He called on the relevant authorities to continue providing appropriate assistance to Sri Lankan citizens facing serious legal difficulties overseas.
“When Sri Lankan citizens face serious legal difficulties abroad, especially in cases involving the death penalty, timely diplomatic engagement, access to competent legal representation and clear communication with families are essential,” he said.
Rajeevkanth said he would continue to follow Anojan’s case and advocate for his freedom.
“The overturning of the death sentence is a moment of hope. But the real victory will come when Anojan is free, safe and reunited with his family,” he said.