Saudi Arabian blogger Raif Badawi continues to face 950 lashes and a decade in prison – simply for calling for free speech.
The UK government has so far failed to call for Raif’s freedom, despite knowing of and speaking on his case – alongside a visit to Saudi Arabia by the Prime Minister. Ask our government to speak up for Raif, who is silenced.
Welcome to your new role and congratulations on your appointment.
I am sure you are aware of the case of Raif Badawi who was sentenced in Saudi Arabia to 10 years and 1,000 lashes for running an online forum. Amnesty International believes Raif is a Prisoner of Conscience. He has done nothing criminal, yet he is facing this barbaric punishment simply for exercising his right to freedom of expression.
Over 100,000 people in the UK have signed Amnesty International’s petition calling on the Saudi Arabian authorities to stop the lashing of Raif Badawi and release him immediately.
I urge the UK Government to use its influence and raise concerns with the Saudi Arabian authorities about Raif Badawi’s situation.
I call on you specifically to:
• Prioritise Raif’s case in all meetings with the Saudi Authorities
• Meet with the minister responsible in the Saudi Arabian government and request permission to visit Raif in prison.
I look forward to your response.
UPDATE
Raif was due to receive another 50 lashes again today (Fri 30th Jan) in the public square, but it has been confirmed that this has not happened.
The international pressure is working, and so your assistance here does truly made a difference.