Raif badawi biography template

Saudi Arabian writer and activist

Raif dismiss Muhammad Badawi (Arabic: رائف بن محمد بدوي, also transcribed Raef bin Mohammed Badawi;^[1] born 13 January 1984)^[2] is a Arabian writer, dissident and activist, significance well as the creator quite a lot of the website Free Saudi Liberals.

Badawi was arrested in 2012 on a charge of "insulting Islam through electronic channels" arm brought to court on distinct charges, including apostasy. In 2013, he was convicted on some charges and sentenced to cardinal years in prison, and 600 lashes. In 2014 his decree was increased to 10 grow older in prison, 1,000 lashes, weather a fine of one bundle Saudi riyals.

The flogging was to be carried out camouflage 20 weeks. The first 50 lashes were administered on 9 January 2015.^[3] The second lashing was postponed more than xii times.^[4] The reason for prestige most recent postponement is anonymous, but the previous scheduled floggings were delayed due to Badawi's poor health.^[5] Badawi is publicize to have hypertension, and crown health worsened after the whipping began.^[6]

His wife, Ensaf Haidar, who took refuge in Canada stern her life was threatened hurt Saudi Arabia, said that Badawi would not survive further flogging.^[7] Ensaf Haidar has given unadulterated series of televised interviews round Badawi’s plight, including at goodness 2016 Geneva Summit for In the flesh Rights and Democracy.^[8]

The Canada-based Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Straight-talking acts as Badawi's international lawful counsel.^[9] The organization has depressed both public advocacy campaigns makeover well as private diplomatic efforts to help secure Badawi's expulsion from prison.

While his faithful location was unknown, it was reported that Badawi was immured in Dhahban Central Prison.^[10] Troupe 11 March 2022, his stock reported that after 10 adulthood Badawi was released from confine. While he is no someone in prison, his 10 age passport ban continues and bankruptcy may not leave the country.^[11]Al Jazeera quoted an anonymous inside ministry official as saying transform March 12, "the sentence disinterested down to Raif was 10 years in prison followed disrespect a travel ban for picture same length of time.

Authority court ruling holds up turf is final. ... He cannot leave the kingdom for concerning 10 years unless a [royal] pardon is issued.”^[12]

Early life

Raif Badawi was born on 13 Jan 1984 in Khobar, Saudi Peninsula, to Najwa, a Lebanese Christianly, and Muhammad Badawi, a Arab Muslim.

His Saudi grandmother explained to him at a growing age that Saudi society historically was not as strict extort men and women used maneuver work together in the fields.^{[citation needed]}

Badawi's mother died young wristwatch an unknown age. He was presumed to be raised exceed his father and grandmother, who had low income.

Badawi accompanied by school until the age be beneficial to thirteen when his father simultaneous him for parental disobedience, grand crime in Saudi Arabia, roost spent six months in graceful teenage detention centre: subsequent menacing, Wahhabi indoctrination, and flogging caused him to be scarred deeply.^{[citation needed]}

Free Saudi Liberals

Influence by rendering and Diwaniya

Badawi started an on-line forum known as "Saudi Unselfish Network" on 13 August 2006.

He was influenced by profuse books by Arab authors who refused to view the existence from a purely religious frame of reference, including The Universe Judges God by Abdullah al-Qasemi, Arab Polish in the Age of Globalization by Turki al-Hamad, and Prisoner 32 by Mohammed Saeed Tayeb, an author whom Raif admires deeply and who had tied up him under his wing.^{[citation needed]}

Additionally he was influenced by Diwaniya, a traditional evening meeting elect journalists, poets, thinkers, philosophers, distinguished authors who all shared significant discussed the dream of adroit more open, tolerant, secular, post liberal society in Saudi Peninsula.

Raif frequented these meetings ring he expressed his hopes confirm the development of civil chorus line and the lessening of abuse in the name of conviction. He sought to make Arabian citizens aware of their demand and responsibilities so that they would demand their rights.

Headlines, apostasy, indirect criticism, and primacy Mutawwa

Badawi's blog made headlines in the near future after it went online, restructuring it was a space Saudis could openly speak befall liberalism in a conservative sovereign state where the king was publish as the custodian of significance two holiest sites of Monotheism, Mecca and Medina.

He articulate (in Arabic), "To me, liberalism means simply to live at an earlier time let live." Very few Saudis dared to publicly speak estimated liberalism, because (under the violent Saudi interpretation of Islam) value constitutes apostasy, a crime blameworthy by death; but Raif alleged that freedom was worth leadership risk of such a yielding up.

On his blog Badawi protested actions of the Mutawwa (the "religious police"), but never in a beeline criticized them. He also on no occasion directly criticized the Saudi Reach a decision, as he considered himself deft patriot and admired the Energetic of Saudi Arabia. Posts modify his blog primarily questioned brook challenged the established rules range the kingdom, such as reason women needed a male dear to walk down the terrace or why it was to such a degree accord difficult for women to attain the labor market and put into operation.

Badawi also questioned the analysis of requiring all Saudis withstand believe in Islam. Despite enthrone Muslim faith, he stated renounce Islam cannot explain everything take up people should be free analysis believe in whatever religion they choose to follow. He explained to others in a Diwaniya meeting that they are in the flesh beings and that they put on the right to express actually and think what they hope for to.

By the end of 2007, Badawi's blog had at least 2,000 members that debated on greatness methods of governing Saudi Peninsula. Badawi's writings were tolerated wedge the relatively liberal King Abdullah, but not by the transcendental green police who arrested him mass late 2007. For many noonday Badawi was interrogated regarding ruler activities, but was eventually unconfined with no charges made be against him.

Unsatisfied by the question, the religious police made elegant surprise raid at Badawi's part a few days later give somebody the job of search for forbidden books, on the contrary left with nothing. The abstract police began to interrogate Badawi frequently, frightening his wife, Ensaf Haidar, despite Badawi's frequent attempts to reassure her that blue blood the gentry interrogations would not lead anticipation charges and punishment, and ensure the police had nothing expand him.^{[citation needed]}

Trials and sentences

Arrest, nuisance and first sentence

First detained whim apostasy charges in 2008, Badawi was released after a offering of questioning.^[2] He was prevented from leaving Saudi Arabia, build up both his and his wife's bank accounts were frozen coop 2009.^[13] The family of Badawi's wife subsequently filed a deference action to forcibly divorce rendering couple on grounds of Badawi's alleged apostasy.

On 17 June 2012, he was arrested continual a charge of "insulting Mohammedanism through electronic channels",^[2] and authority following December he was further cited for apostasy, a blood relationship which carries an automatic transience bloodshed sentence.^[14][15] However, Badawi was hardened to be a Muslim associate reciting the Shahada in courtyard, and also stated that disseminate should have the right space choose their faith.

Human Aboveboard Watch stated that Badawi's site had hosted material criticizing "senior religious figures".^[15] Badawi had besides suggested that Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University had be acceptable to "a den for terrorists."^[16]

Following grandeur 2012 arrest, Amnesty International categorized Badawi a prisoner of morality, "detained solely for peacefully effort his right to freedom deduction expression", and said: "Even pull Saudi Arabia where state suppression is rife, it is before the pale to seek class death penalty for an meliorist whose only 'crime' was academic enable social debate online".^[17] Job for the government to eat the charges, Human Rights Regard stated: "The charges against him, based solely to Badawi's dedication in setting up a site for peaceful discussion about belief and religious figures, violate diadem right to freedom of expression".^[2] Moroccan human rights activist Kacem El Ghazzali also criticized Arabian Arabia authority.

Charged with "setting up a website that undermines general security", "ridiculing Islamic holy figures", and "going beyond prestige realm of obedience", Badawi arrived before a district court jagged Jeddah on 17 December 2012.^[1] The judge referred the shallow of apostasy to a preferred court, saying he "could scream give a verdict in unembellished case of apostasy."^[18] On 22 December, the General Court recovered Jeddah found merits in goodness apostasy charges.^[1] And then curtail referred the case back do the lower court, as rectitude latter is said to coerce the wisdom of higher entourage to try apostasy.^[19]

On 30 July 2013, Saudi media reported lose one\'s train of thought Badawi had been sentenced tell somebody to seven years in prison stomach 600 lashes for founding apartment house Internet forum that "violates Islamic values and propagates liberal thought".

The court also ordered description website closed.^[20]

Sentence increased

On 26 Dec 2013, Badawi's wife Ensaf Haidar told CNN a judge difficult to understand ruled that her husband forced to go before a high make an attempt for the apostasy charge which would result in a discourteous penalty if convicted.^[21] On 7 May 2014, Badawi’s sentence was increased to 1000 lashes, 10 years in prison, and smart fine of  1,000,000 (equal sentry about US$267,000 at the time), for "insulting Islam".^[22][23] In mid-January 2015, the case was passed to the Saudi Supreme Mindnumbing for review.^[24][25][26] On 1 Go on foot 2015, Badawi's wife told persuade that judges in Saudi Arabia's criminal court wanted to repeat him for apostasy, and focus if found guilty he would be sentenced to death.^[27][28]

Ensaf Haidar takes refuge in Canada

A infrequent days after a court get-together, Badawi's wife Ensaf Haidar afoot receiving anonymous death threats.

She fled to Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada with their three children.^[29] On 27 January 2015, Confuse politician Marc Garneau announced rejoicing an opinion piece that soil and his political colleague Irwin Cotler would "[assist] Badawi's old woman in her efforts to redeem her husband."^[30] Addressing the Steer clear of Human Rights Council as systematic representative of the International Philosophy and Ethical Union (IHEU), Kacem El Ghazzali criticized Saudi Peninsula for sentencing Badawi to 7 years in prison and 600 lashes, calling it a "gratuitous, violent sentence".^[31][32]

Prosecution and imprisonment conjure Badawi's lawyer

Badawi's lawyer Waleed Abulkhair (also transcribed as Abu al-Khair) was imprisoned after setting provide lodgings Monitor of Human Rights fulfil Saudi Arabia, a Saudi mortal rights organization.

He is emotional with "setting up an forbidden organization" and "breaking allegiance congregate the ruler". His requests form license the organization were denied.^[33] On 7 July 2014, Abulkhair was sentenced to 15 life-span imprisonment, followed by a 15-year travel ban. The Specialized Unlawful Court in Jeddah found him guilty of "undermining the regimen and officials", "inciting public opinion", and "insulting the judiciary".^[34][35]

Abulkhair phonetic BBC that Badawi had deep-seated in court that he was a Muslim and had bass the judge, "Everyone has swell choice to believe or cry believe."^[36]

Public flogging

On 9 January 2015, Badawi received 50 lashes beforehand hundreds of spectators in set of a Jeddah mosque, significance first in a total invoke 1,000 lashes to be administered over twenty weeks.^[3] The complication was condemned by Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Harmony East and North Africa, Articulated Boumedouha: "The flogging of Raif Badawi is a vicious accord of cruelty which is unauthorized under international law.

By despite international calls to cancel character flogging, Saudi Arabia’s authorities suppress demonstrated an abhorrent disregard connote the most basic human candid principles."^[37]Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad flawless Jordan said: "Such punishment review prohibited under international human candid law, in particular the gathering against torture, which Saudi Peninsula has ratified.

I appeal touch upon the king of Saudi Peninsula to exercise his power command somebody to halt the public flogging coarse pardoning Mr Badawi, and be acquainted with urgently review this type imbursement extraordinarily harsh penalty".^[38] Sebastian Conduct, Middle East analyst for blue blood the gentry BBC said he suspected zigzag Saudi leaders had been surprised for the scale of intercontinental protest in response to representation flogging.^[39] In May 2022, lensman John Elliott, a former U.S.

State Department official stationed addition Jeddah and who witnessed honesty 2015 flogging, released the one two photographs documenting the accepted spectacle.^[40] Included with the images were extensive and hitherto slumberous details of the experience.

Raif Badawi’s wife Ensaf Haidar put into words after hearing about the flogging: "What I felt was unutterable.

It was an indescribable amalgam of sadness and pain... Approve was painfully horrible to envisage what was happening to Raif."^[41] She also said, "I be aware of all the attention that Raif’s case has been getting. Mad hope that all the governments in the world will strengthen their efforts to pressure position authorities to stop what they intend doing [sic] to return to health husband.

I believe they glare at do it, if they converse directly to the government hem in Saudi".^[42] Further lashings were postponed^[43] because the injuries from honesty first had not healed survive Badawi was in poor medicinal condition.^[44] Badawi is a diabetic with a slim build.^[45] Blooper was to receive the cruelty 50 lashes at a patch every Friday for 20 weeks until the sentence was complete.^[43]

International reaction

There was an international movement to free Badawi, comprising organism protests, petitions, letters, and common media activity.^[46][47] The hashtag"JeSuisRaif", resounding Je suis Charlie, trended imprint January 2015.^[48] The readiness stencil some Saudi doctors to implement medical assessments prior to floggings has been questioned, and affirmed as doctors participating in data of torture.^[43] UK Foreign SecretaryPhilip Hammond raised the issue go-slow the Saudi ambassador for glory United Kingdom, and a Transalpine Office spokesperson said: "We unwanted items seriously concerned by Raif Badawi’s case.

The UK condemns rendering use of cruel, inhuman survey degrading punishment in all circumstances."^[49]

Eighteen Nobel laureates signed an hasten letter urging Saudi academics resting on condemn the flogging of Badawi. The Independent commented that several leading western scientists, uneasy look at working with Saudi academics thanks to of the "inexcusable" human contend situation there, may refuse puzzle out work with Saudis if nobleness open letter is disregarded.^[50]

As friendly 22 January 2015, Amnesty International's petition to release Badawi come across prison had nearly 800,000 signatories.^[51] Badawi was again a trending topic on Twitter a hebdomad later and his wife oral the BBC that the affinity suffered "perpetual anxiety".^[52] Urging Intermingle Prime Minister Stephen Harper undertake intervene with Saudi authorities, she also told an all-party crowd of Canadian Members of Sevens that "Raif's health condition obey getting worse and worse" according to several doctors who locked away examined her husband in depiction previous week, and that she was "very concerned about him.

It is impossible for clean up human being to be conclusive to withstand 50 lashes weekly."^[53]

After the second series of lashes was postponed for the position time on 30 January 2015, with no reason given, here was hope that Badawi brawniness be released.^[54] On 5 Feb 2015, it was reported roam he had appeared in suite the day before the incoming scheduled flogging.

Amnesty and nakedness again expressed concern.^[55] In Québec, where Badawi's family now support as refugees, and where monarch situation is seen as sign of the worldwide struggle care for free speech, the public take taken up his case esoteric protests in Sherbrooke and absent are regular.^[56] The flogging was postponed a fourth time, become accustomed the postponement announced close take home the scheduled time, keeping Badawi and those concerned about him in suspense.^[57] The following hebdomad, the National Assembly of Québec unanimously passed a motion inculpatory Badawi's flogging and calling tax value the governments of Québec dominant Canada to do everything feasible to secure his freedom.^[58] Through the end of February, primacy next flogging had been deferred seven times.^[59]

Sixty-seven members of decency United States Congress sent first-class bipartisan letter to the Dripping of Saudi Arabia on 3 March 2015, calling for distinction release of all prisoners invite conscience, including Raif Badawi fairy story Waleed Abu Al-Khair.^[60][61] The corresponding day, South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent a letter optimism King Salman in support cut into Badawi, saying "We are keep happy members of faiths that accentuate mercy and forgiveness."^[62] On 6 March, a group of Ad northerly Ireland trade union leaders plus journalists Eamonn McCann and Felicitousness McCall published an open missive in the Belfast Telegraph inculpatory the "barbaric punishment" of Raif Badawi and calling for fulfil release,^[63] and German journalist Constantin Schreiber announced that Badawi's principal book would be published pin down April.^[62][64]

In early March 2015, Ensaf Haidar petitioned Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Poor Affairs, to use his disturb to free Badawi during inventiveness upcoming visit to Saudi Peninsula.

Katrin Göring-Eckardt, a German formal leader, also called on Archangel to bring up the weekend case during his visit.^[65] As Archangel left for Saudi Arabia grass on 7 March, protesters at glory airport urged him to hindmost Badawi.^[66] Gabriel said he gratuitous to broach the subject prepare Badawi with the royal In Riyadh he told force, "I think it's quite ordinary that people the world outrun are interested in something with regards to this.

And that shouldn't amazement anyone here."^[67] He added, "The harshness of this sentence, remarkably the corporal punishment, is thought unimaginable for us, and disregard course it weighs on acid relations (with Saudi Arabia)."^[68] Illustriousness Saudi Arabian government responded invitation rejecting criticism of its living soul rights record and asserting give it some thought "it does not accept intrusion in any form in tight internal affairs."^[69]

Sweden's foreign minister, Margot Wallström, has spoken publicly reach your destination Badawi's case and other Arabian Arabian human rights issues.

Bind March 2015, Saudi Arabia unnavigable Wallström's speech at an Arabian League meeting in Cairo attack which she had been hail as an honorary guest.^[70] Sverige then cancelled its longstanding clinch agreement with Saudi Arabia.^[71] European news magazine Der Spiegel present in March^[72] that Badawi confidential written from prison that agreed "miraculously survived 50 lashes [...] [while he was] surrounded tough a cheering crowd who cried incessantly 'Allahu Akbar' ('God quite good greatest')".^[73] Protests and vigils gone Saudi embassies continued.^{[46][47][74][75][76][77][78]}

On 6 Esteemed 2018, Saudi Arabia expelled depiction Canadian ambassador Dennis Horak, topmost froze all trade with Algonquian.

This came after the Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, expressed concern over class arrest of Samar Badawi, dexterous human rights activist in Arabian Arabia and sister of Raif Badawi, and demanded the loosen of both Samar and Raif.^[79]

In July 2019, U.S. Vice Director Mike Pence urged Saudi Peninsula to free Badawi.^[80]

Renewed threat oppress flogging in 2015

The Saudi Unrivalled Court upheld the sentence increase in intensity there were fears Badawi could be flogged again after Fri prayers on 12 June 2015.

The punishment was delayed anon, hours before it was entirely to be inflicted.^[81] Badawi's mate believes he is in slushy physical and psychological health, stall fears his sentence may emerging "a slow death".^[82]

Renewed threat neat as a new pin flogging in 2016

The Independent prevailing in October 2016 that profusion close to Badawi's family anticipate flogging could restart imminently, sharpen up any time during the era.

Governments with ties to Arabian Arabia were urged to fashion representations on Badawi's behalf.^[83] Ensaf Haidar, Badawi's wife said, "I was totally shocked by integrity news. I'm worried and frightened that they'll carrying [sic] fall upon whipping him. (...) I'm attention about Raif's health, which practical not good—either mentally or meat.

I really hope that Arabian Arabia will not go precocious and implement the sentence. Uncontrolled would hope that the Arab authorities strip Raif of government citizenship and then deport him to Canada to be keep us."^[84] Badawi has reportedly anachronistic on sustained hunger strike regress least twice.^[85] Then Canadian Transalpine Affairs Minister Stephane Dion articulated "We are trying to be born with the most accurate information thinkable, because if this information keep to true, it would be disgraceful.

Canada completely condemns this ilk of lashing."^[86]

Release

On 11 March 2022, his family reported that Badawi was released from prison, however not allowed to leave probity country.^[11] With the support clamour the Giordano Bruno Foundation esoteric other organizations, a GoFundMe push was created to help Badawi's family raise funds to have an effect the fines imposed on him prior to his release.^[87]

Personal life

Raif Badawi met his wife, Ensaf Haidar, accidentally when Badawi misdialed Haidar.

Haidar called back, descend the presumption that it was a call from a profession agency offering her a coaching position at a Madrasa. Badawi called back Haidar repeatedly assail her anger because of sagacious "lovely voice", and Haidar over again declined out of fear fulfill family honour. Haidar eventually began to talk to Badawi get round secret, prompting one of Haidar's brothers to steal her bell and Badawi to travel confront Jizan, Haidar's hometown, and be the source of her another phone in new and a rose.^[88]

Raif Badawi hitched Ensaf Haidar in 2002 agreement Saudi Arabia, with Haidar donation birth in 2003 at rank Jeddah Public Hospital to their first child, Najwa bint Raif Badawi, in his absence.

Subtract the following year, Haidar gave birth to their son, Doudi "Tirad" bin Raif Badawi, loaded 2004 in Badawi's presence; on account of well as the birth be more or less their second daughter, Miriyam bint Raif Badawi in 2007.^[89]

Badawi put up with Haidar lived in Jizan meet their children until Haidar's brothers began to harass her lecture demand her to divorce deseed Badawi, prompting their move just now Jeddah, a more liberal spring back.

He was the founder standing head of a women's upbringing system until he sold be a smash hit following his dissidence.

Badawi's mate and children were granted federal asylum by the Government exhaust Canada in 2013, where they now live.^[90]

Badawi is Muslim attend to has made Umrah with authority three children.

His wife denied allegations of apostasy and aforesaid in a NPR interview delay he is a "good Muslim" and promoted a "live favour let live philosophy".^[91]

Awards, honours cope with nominations

Awards

• Günter Wallraff Prize for journalism 2019, shared with European Journalism Observatory (EJO).^[92]
• International Laïcité Award 2018, by Comité Laïcité République collective with Ensaf Haidar.^[93]
• Daniel Pearl Bestow 2018, by Los Angeles Push Club.^[94]
• Montreal Press Club Freedom Honour 2018.^[95]
• Liberty Victoria "Empty Chair" bestow 2016.^[96]
• Deschner Prize 2016, by loftiness Giordano Bruno Foundation, shared be different Ensaf Haidar^[97]
• Salam Prize for Calm (Frankfurt) 2016.^[98]
• Liberal International Prize supportive of Freedom 2016.^[99]
• Prix Voltaire 2016, implant IPA Freedom to Publish committee.^[100][101]
• Sakharov Prize 2015, from the Inhabitant Parliament, for the defence in this area freedom of thought and soul in person bodily rights^[102]
• Swiss Freethinker Prize 2015, common with Ensaf Haidar and Waleed Abulkhair^[103]
• Sir Karl Popper Prize 2015, from the Österreichischer Freidenkerbund^[104]
• PEN Playwright Prize 2015, shared with Brits poet and literary critic Book Fenton^[105]
• Strasbourg Award Medal of Consecrate 2015^[106]
• Franco-German Journalism Prize 2015^[107]
• Thomas Dehler medal, from the Free Republican Party, Germany^[104]
• Press Freedom Prize 2015, from Reporters Without Borders, Sweden^[108]
• Freedom of Speech Award 2015, take the stones out of Deutsche Welle^[109]
• Courage Award 2015, circumvent the Geneva Summit for In the flesh Rights and Democracy^[110]
• Aikenhead Award 2015, from the Scottish Secular Society^[111]
• One Humanity Award 2014, from Reduce Canada^[112]
• Netizen Prize 2014, from Television without Borders.^[113]

Honorifics

• The honorary membership 2019, by Cambridge Union shared surpass Ensaf Haidar.^[114]
• Honorary Doctorate, from Université de Sherbrooke^[115]
• Honorary citizenship Montreal^[116]
• Université state-owned Sherbrooke university honored him overtake giving the master's program well-off law and int'l politics 2017–18 "DIPIA" his name.^[117]
• One of rank Leading Global Thinkers of 2015, By Foreign Policy.^[118]
• One of rank Boss List 2015, By AskMen.^[119]
• Honorary citizenship, Sherbrooke, Quebec^[120]
• Honorary Title engage in Freedom of Expression, bestowed unwelcoming Brussels University Alliance (VUB added ULB), 2015.^[121]
• Honorary membership, PEN Canada.^[112]
• Honorary membership, PEN Denmark.
• Honorary membership, Sharpness Germany.
• Man of the Year 2015, By The Fifth Column.^[122]
• The in name membership 2017, by Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec.^[123]

Nominations

Books

• Badawi, Raif; Schreiber, Constantin, editor; Hetzl, Sandra, translator, 1000 Peitschenhiebe : weil fill sage, was ich denke [1000 Lashes: Because I Say What I Think].

  Ullstein, Berlin 2015, ISBN 978-3-550-08120-0 (germ.)^[127]

• Badawi, Raif; Schreiber, Constantin, editor; Ahmad Danny Ramadan, intermediary, 1000 Lashes: Because I Divulge What I Think. Vancouver 2015, ISBN 978-1771642095 (Canada)^[128]

See also

References