[RE: UP-43-2005: SAUDI ARABIA/SRI LANKA: Questions remain in Sri Lanka’s willingness to save three of its citizens; UP-39-2005: Three Sri Lankans face imminent execution in Saudi Arabia; UP-38-2005: SAUDI ARABIA/SRI LANKA: Please send a letter to the King of Saudi Arabia urging his intervention to commute the death sentence of three Sri Lankans; UP-34-2005: Death sentence for three migrant workers requires urgent intervention; AS-36-2005: The Government of Sri Lanka must take a more proactive stance to save the lives of three Sri Lankans on death row in Saudi Arabia; UA-49-2005: Death sentence to migrant workers requires urgent intervention by the Sri Lankan government; UP-90-2005: SAUDI ARABIA/SRI LANKA: Amnesty International appeals Saudi king to commute death sentences of the three Sri Lankan men]
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UP-142-2005: SAUDI ARABIA/SRI LANKA: Renewed plea for commuting the death sentence of Sri Lankan men to the new King of Saudi Arabia
SAUDI ARABIA/SRI LANKA: Death penalty; Right to fair trial; Rule of law
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Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) writes to update you on the current situation of the three Sri Lankan migrant workers currently facing imminent execution in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has recently enthroned its new King, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who is viewed as a progressive and open leader. With the arrival of King Abdullah to the throne, it is believed that the decision on the fate of the three Sri Lankan men will be made shortly, and it is hoped that this will result in clemency for the men.
In this time of potential opportunity we write to you now seeking your intervention in writing to the new King and requesting him to save the lives of these three people. Considerable time has now passed since the men were first detained and living under such a cloud of uncertainty has been terribly difficult on them and their families. Though the men and their families are grateful for the worldwide response to their situation, they call upon you again now to renew your appeal for their lives. Therefore please request the new King to show mercy and to commute the three mens death sentences
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission
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To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Your Royal Highness,
Re: Imminent death for the three Sri Lankan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia
I am writing to you pleading for your clemency for the lives of three Sri Lankan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, namely Mr E. J. V. Corea, D.D. Ranjith de Silva and Sanath Pushpakumara, who are currently detained at Al Nayad Prison, in Riyadh, facing death sentences for the alleged charge of armed robbery.
I am most concerned that these three persons have not been able to defend themselves properly in a court of law. According to the information I have received, there was no lawyer representing them and no witnesses were called to the stand during the court proceedings. The family claims that after the trial ended, the three Sri Lankan men were asked to sign a document in Arabic, which they do not understand at all but in fact stated their acceptance to the death sentence.
I plead for Your Excellency's mercy and ask that you commute these person's death sentences. I have faith in you and in the compassionate nature of Islam. All three men are married and have children to support. Ranjith Silva is the only son in a family of five and has his one son. Victor Corea and Sanath Pushpakumara both have two children. I most fervently hope that Your Excellency will save the lives of these three persons and thereby the lives of their families by pardoning them from the death sentence.
Yours truly,
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Send a letter to:
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud
Royal Court
Riyadh
SAUDI ARABIA
Tel: + 966 1 401 1944 (for Ministry of Interior)
Fax: + 966 1 403 1185 (for Ministry of Interior)
Salutation: Your Royal Highness
Thank you
Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission
