Disturbing reports have emerged that Sivarasa Anojan, a Sri Lankan Tamil facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, has been assaulted by other prisoners and sustained injuries to his head.

However, there is no information indicating that Saudi prison authorities, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia have officially confirmed the reported assault.

This has caused serious concern among his family and those working on his behalf about his current health and safety inside the prison.

Anojan, who is from Natpittimunai in Kalmunai, was working in Saudi Arabia when he was arrested in July 2026 over an allegation that a comment he posted on social media insulted Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahsa Criminal Court initially sentenced him to five years in prison and imposed a fine of three million Saudi riyals.

During the subsequent appeal proceedings, the Saudi prosecution also appealed, seeking a harsher punishment. On September 17, 2026, the appellate court sentenced him to death.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath subsequently confirmed the death sentence in Parliament.

Meanwhile, his family had reported that he was recently transferred to a prison section where prisoners sentenced to death are held. Earlier reports said that, after several days during which the family could not reach him, Anojan contacted his brother and told him about the transfer.

It is against this background that new reports have emerged alleging that he was assaulted in prison and suffered head injuries.

If this information is true, it is an extremely serious matter.

Whatever the allegation against a person or the sentence imposed by a court, the relevant authorities have a responsibility to safeguard the life and physical safety of anyone in state custody.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Saudi Arabia must therefore urgently establish whether the reports of an assault on Anojan are accurate.

If he has been injured, it must also ensure that he receives appropriate medical treatment without delay. If an assault took place, an investigation should establish how it happened, who was involved and whether he faces any further threats to his safety inside the prison.

Legal and diplomatic efforts to challenge his death sentence are continuing.

According to recent reports, a four-member legal team arranged by the Sri Lankan government is due to travel to Saudi Arabia on October 6, 2026. The team comprises Additional Solicitor General Azard Navavi, President's Counsel Faizer Mustapha and Upul Kumarapperuma, and attorney Hafeel Farisz.

They are expected to consult the lawyers appointed in Saudi Arabia and take forward preparations for an appeal to the Saudi Supreme Court.

Separately, diplomatic efforts are also under way to submit a clemency petition to the Saudi king on behalf of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

At this critical moment, while these legal and diplomatic efforts are continuing, the new reports about Anojan's safety in prison have deepened concerns.

The Sri Lankan government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh must therefore intervene immediately, officially establish his current health and safety, and take every necessary measure to protect his life and physical well-being.

His safety must be ensured before any further serious incident occurs.