Special delegation to visit Saudi Arabia, seeking pardon for Anojan
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament today (Sep. 22) that President’s Counsel Faiszer Musthapha and President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma have agreed to provide legal assistance in the case of Sri Lankan national Sivarasa Anojan, who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia.Herath said the two lawyers had also agreed to travel to Saudi Arabia at their own expense to assist with the case.
According to the Minister, Mustapha and Kumarapperuma will hold discussions with Anojan’s legal representatives and Saudi law enforcement authorities to explore possible legal interventions.Speaking further, Minister Herath said that a special delegation led by the Deputy Speaker would travel to Saudi Arabia to deliver a letter from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the Saudi King, seeking a pardon for Anojan.The Minister also said he expected to meet the Saudi Foreign Minister next month on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council sessions, where he would request that the death sentence be commuted or the punishment reduced.
Minister Herath further said the Sri Lankan Government would bear all legal costs incurred in Saudi Arabia on behalf of Anojan. Any legal expenses already incurred by Anojan’s family would also be reimbursed by the Government, he added.