The family of a Sri Lankan man sentenced to five years in prison by Saudi authorities for a Facebook post deemed insulting to Islam has appealed to the United Nations for assistance, citing financial hardship and minimal prospects for a successful legal challenge.

Sivarasa Anojan from Kalmunai has been sentenced by the Criminal Court in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, to five years' imprisonment, a fine of SAR 3 million, confiscation of his electronic device, and closure of his social media account. According to a statement from Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the conviction relates to a Facebook post considered insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

Anojan's parents have written to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights requesting international support to reduce their son's sentence and facilitate his return to Sri Lanka. The family stated that Anojan is their primary income earner and they are experiencing severe financial difficulties. They expressed inability to pay both the court-imposed fine and legal costs necessary to mount an appeal.

According to the ministry's consular affairs division, an appeal must be filed within 30 days of judgment. However, legal counsel obtained by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh indicated that prospects for a successful appeal or sentence reduction are "extremely low." The costs for legal representation are estimated at SAR 20,000, with an additional SAR 5,000 required for preparing and submitting appeal documentation. The embassy has advised that all legal expenses must be covered by the defendant.

The family has appealed for financial assistance to support any legal proceedings in Saudi Arabia, framing their request on humanitarian grounds. The case highlights the challenges faced by Sri Lankan nationals navigating foreign legal systems and the financial barriers to accessing justice in such circumstances.