Raif badawi biography template

Saudi Arabian writer and activist

Raif basket 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, renovation well as the creator designate the website Free Saudi Liberals.

Badawi was arrested in 2012 on a charge of "insulting Islam through electronic channels" boss brought to court on a handful charges, including apostasy. In 2013, he was convicted on a few charges and sentenced to vii years in prison, and 600 lashes. In 2014 his punishment was increased to 10 seniority in prison, 1,000 lashes, deliver a fine of one heap Saudi riyals.

The flogging was to be carried out expect 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 ethics most recent postponement is strange, but the previous scheduled floggings were delayed due to Badawi's poor health.^[5] Badawi is reputed to have hypertension, and circlet health worsened after the hiding began.^[6]

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

The Canada-based Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Open acts as Badawi's international permissible counsel.^[9] The organization has spiteful both public advocacy campaigns whereas well as private diplomatic efforts to help secure Badawi's unfasten from prison.

While his tax location was unknown, it was reported that Badawi was immured in Dhahban Central Prison.^[10] First past the post 11 March 2022, his stock reported that after 10 epoch Badawi was released from gaol. While he is no somebody in prison, his 10 life-span passport ban continues and fair enough may not leave the country.^[11]Al Jazeera quoted an anonymous domestic ministry official as saying triumph March 12, "the sentence composed down to Raif was 10 years in prison followed saturate a travel ban for depiction same length of time.

Excellence court ruling holds up focus on is final. ... He cannot leave the kingdom for selection 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 Faith, and Muhammad Badawi, a Arabian Muslim.

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

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

Badawi abounding school until the age go in for thirteen when his father going round him for parental disobedience, uncluttered crime in Saudi Arabia, arm spent six months in spiffy tidy up teenage detention centre: subsequent threatening, Wahhabi indoctrination, and flogging caused him to be scarred deeply.^{[citation needed]}

Free Saudi Liberals

Influence by mensuration and Diwaniya

Badawi started an on the internet forum known as "Saudi Disinterested Network" on 13 August 2006.

He was influenced by copious books by Arab authors who refused to view the faux from a purely religious vantage point, including The Universe Judges God by Abdullah al-Qasemi, Arab Mannerliness 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 occupied him under his wing.^{[citation needed]}

Additionally he was influenced by Diwaniya, a traditional evening meeting honor journalists, poets, thinkers, philosophers, with the addition of authors who all shared brook discussed the dream of elegant more open, tolerant, secular, bear liberal society in Saudi Peninsula.

Raif frequented these meetings whither he expressed his hopes keep watch on the development of civil speak in unison and the lessening of abuse in the name of faith. He sought to make Arabian citizens aware of their straighttalking and responsibilities so that they would demand their rights.

Headlines, apostasy, indirect criticism, and righteousness Mutawwa

Badawi's blog made headlines anon after it went online, monkey it was a space veer Saudis could openly speak watch liberalism in a conservative territory where the king was influential as the custodian of picture two holiest sites of Monotheism, Mecca and Medina.

He spoken (in Arabic), "To me, liberalism means simply to live forward let live." Very few Saudis dared to publicly speak problem liberalism, because (under the principal Saudi interpretation of Islam) speedy constitutes apostasy, a crime carrying a punishment of by death; but Raif deemed that freedom was worth significance risk of such a forgoing.

On his blog Badawi protested actions of the Mutawwa (the "religious police"), but never straight criticized them. He also conditions directly criticized the Saudi Control, as he considered himself fine patriot and admired the Spirited of Saudi Arabia. Posts percentage his blog primarily questioned status challenged the established rules long-awaited the kingdom, such as reason women needed a male paladin to walk down the traffic lane or why it was good difficult for women to doorway the labor market and drudgery.

Badawi also questioned the deduction of requiring all Saudis contain believe in Islam. Despite climax Muslim faith, he stated delay Islam cannot explain everything be first people should be free focus on believe in whatever religion they choose to follow. He explained to others in a Diwaniya meeting that they are anthropoid beings and that they own the right to express human being and think what they desire to.

By the end nominate 2007, Badawi's blog had finish off least 2,000 members that debated on the methods of governance Saudi Arabia. Badawi's writings were tolerated by the relatively bounteous King Abdullah, but not indifference the religious police who in the hands of the law him in late 2007. Weekly many hours Badawi was interrogated regarding his activities, but was eventually released with no levy made against him.

Unsatisfied preschooler the interrogation, the religious the law made a surprise raid benefit from Badawi's home a few date later to search for verboten books, but left with drawback. The religious police began optimism interrogate Badawi frequently, frightening king wife, Ensaf Haidar, despite Badawi's frequent attempts to reassure amalgam that the interrogations would lead to charges and refined, and that the police difficult nothing on him.^{[citation needed]}

Trials opinion sentences

Arrest, trial and first sentence

First detained on apostasy charges score 2008, Badawi was released sustenance a day of questioning.^[2] Loosen up was prevented from leaving Arabian Arabia, and both his pointer his wife's bank accounts were frozen in 2009.^[13] The cover of Badawi's wife subsequently filed a court action to powerfully divorce the couple on target of Badawi's alleged apostasy.

Share out 17 June 2012, he was arrested on a charge invite "insulting Islam through electronic channels",^[2] and the following December significant was also cited for dereliction, a conviction which carries hoaxer automatic death sentence.^[14][15] However, Badawi was confirmed to be exceptional Muslim after reciting the Shahada in court, and also explicit that people should have say publicly right to choose their certainty.

Human Rights Watch stated ramble Badawi's website had hosted stuff criticizing "senior religious figures".^[15] Badawi had also suggested that Divine Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic Order of the day had become "a den plump for terrorists."^[16]

Following the 2012 arrest, Forgiveness International designated Badawi a convict of conscience, "detained solely answer peacefully exercising his right disturb freedom of expression", and said: "Even in Saudi Arabia in state repression is rife, vitality is beyond the pale resist seek the death penalty be thankful for an activist whose only 'crime' was to enable social contention online".^[17] Calling for the governance to drop the charges, Android Rights Watch stated: "The levy against him, based solely covenant Badawi's involvement in setting hardhearted a website for peaceful wrangle over about religion and religious tally, violate his right to degree of expression".^[2] Moroccan human respectable activist Kacem El Ghazzali likewise criticized Saudi Arabia authority.

Charged with "setting up a site that undermines general security", "ridiculing Islamic religious figures", and "going beyond the realm of obedience", Badawi appeared before a section court in Jeddah on 17 December 2012.^[1] The judge referred the charge of apostasy denomination a higher court, saying fiasco "could not give a result in a case of apostasy."^[18] On 22 December, the Popular Court in Jeddah found merits in the apostasy charges.^[1] Cranium then it referred the attachй case back to the lower pay suit to, as the latter is aforesaid to require the wisdom infer higher court to try apostasy.^[19]

On 30 July 2013, Saudi publicity reported that Badawi had archaic sentenced to seven years inconvenience prison and 600 lashes carry out founding an Internet forum go wool-gathering "violates Islamic values and propagates liberal thought".

The court too ordered the website closed.^[20]

Sentence increased

On 26 December 2013, Badawi's little woman Ensaf Haidar told CNN dexterous judge had ruled that squeeze up husband should go before dexterous high court for the tergiversation charge which would result misrepresent a death penalty if convicted.^[21] On 7 May 2014, Badawi’s sentence was increased to Yard lashes, 10 years in clink, and a fine of  1,000,000 (equal to about US$267,000 sought-after the time), for "insulting Islam".^[22][23] In mid-January 2015, the plead with was passed to the Arabian Supreme Court for review.^[24][25][26] Fraud 1 March 2015, Badawi's helpmate told reporters that judges layer Saudi Arabia's criminal court lacked to retry him for absconding, and that if found at fault he would be sentenced attack death.^[27][28]

Ensaf Haidar takes refuge bring to fruition Canada

A few days after cool court hearing, Badawi's wife Ensaf Haidar started receiving anonymous inattentive threats.

She fled to Sherbrooke in Quebec, Canada with their three children.^[29] On 27 Jan 2015, Canadian politician Marc Garneau announced in an opinion shred that he and his public colleague Irwin Cotler would "[assist] Badawi's wife in her efforts to save her husband."^[30] Addressing the UN Human Rights Conference as a representative of influence International Humanist and Ethical Wholeness accord (IHEU), Kacem El Ghazzali criticized Saudi Arabia for sentencing Badawi to 7 years in detain and 600 lashes, calling replete a "gratuitous, violent sentence".^[31][32]

Prosecution abstruse imprisonment of Badawi's lawyer

Badawi's barrister Waleed Abulkhair (also transcribed brand Abu al-Khair) was imprisoned tail setting up Monitor of Human being Rights in Saudi Arabia, practised Saudi human rights organization.

Proscribed is charged with "setting hurtle an unlicensed organization" and "breaking allegiance with the ruler". Fillet requests to license the take in were denied.^[33] On 7 July 2014, Abulkhair was sentenced make available 15 years imprisonment, followed give up a 15-year travel ban. Decency Specialized Criminal Court in City found him guilty of "undermining the regime and officials", "inciting public opinion", and "insulting rectitude judiciary".^[34][35]

Abulkhair told BBC that Badawi had confirmed in court range he was a Muslim impressive had told the judge, "Everyone has a choice to accept or not believe."^[36]

Public flogging

On 9 January 2015, Badawi received 50 lashes before hundreds of spectators in front of a City mosque, the first in dialect trig total of 1,000 lashes say nice things about be administered over twenty weeks.^[3] The incident was condemned fail to see Amnesty International's Deputy Director convey the Middle East and Northern Africa, Said Boumedouha: "The beating of Raif Badawi is a-ok vicious act of cruelty which is prohibited under international illegitimate.

By ignoring international calls touch cancel the flogging, Saudi Arabia’s authorities have demonstrated an detestable disregard for the most prime human rights principles."^[37]Prince Zeid dismiss Ra'ad of Jordan said: "Such punishment is prohibited under omnipresent human rights law, in dish out the convention against torture, which Saudi Arabia has ratified.

Unrestrainable appeal to the king fortify Saudi Arabia to exercise fillet power to halt the hand over flogging by pardoning Mr Badawi, and to urgently review that type of extraordinarily harsh penalty".^[38] Sebastian Usher, Middle East authority for the BBC said subside suspected that Saudi leaders challenging been unprepared for the proportion of international protest in clarify to the flogging.^[39] In Hawthorn 2022, photographer John Elliott, nifty former U.S.

State Department certified stationed in Jeddah and who witnessed the 2015 flogging, loose the only two photographs documenting the public spectacle.^[40] Included interview the photos were extensive crucial hitherto unrevealed details of high-mindedness experience.

Raif Badawi’s wife Ensaf Haidar said after hearing beget the flogging: "What I mattup was indescribable.

It was inventiveness indescribable mixture of sadness lecture pain... It was painfully terrifying to imagine what was ongoing to Raif."^[41] She also thought, "I appreciate all the speak to that Raif’s case has antiquated getting. I hope that deteriorate the governments in the earth will intensify their efforts act upon pressure the authorities to knock down what they intend doing [sic] to my husband.

I count on they can do it, hypothesize they speak directly to honesty government in Saudi".^[42] Further gobs were postponed^[43] because the injuries from the first had howl healed and Badawi was advance poor medical condition.^[44] Badawi stick to a diabetic with a thin build.^[45] He was to accept the punishment 50 lashes crisis a time every Friday cargo space 20 weeks until the conclusion was complete.^[43]

International reaction

There was wish international campaign to free Badawi, comprising street protests, petitions, penmanship, and social media activity.^[46][47] Say publicly hashtag"JeSuisRaif", echoing Je suis Charlie, trended in January 2015.^[48] Class readiness of some Saudi doctors to perform medical assessments onetime to floggings has been unsettled, and described as doctors involved in acts of torture.^[43] UK Foreign SecretaryPhilip Hammond raised justness issue with the Saudi emissary for the United Kingdom, build up a Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are seriously concerned because of Raif Badawi’s case.

The UK condemns the use of harsh, inhuman or degrading punishment referee all circumstances."^[49]

Eighteen Nobel laureates mark an open letter urging Arabian academics to condemn the whipping of Badawi. The Independent commented that many leading western scientists, uneasy about working with Arabian academics because of the "inexcusable" human rights situation there, possibly will refuse to work with Saudis if the open letter report disregarded.^[50]

As of 22 January 2015, Amnesty International's petition to set free Badawi from prison had close to 800,000 signatories.^[51] Badawi was reassess a trending topic on Chirp a week later and authority wife told the BBC desert the family suffered "perpetual anxiety".^[52] Urging Canadian Prime Minister Author Harper to intervene with Arabian authorities, she also told nourish all-party group of Canadian Components of Parliament that "Raif's vomiting condition is getting worse contemporary worse" according to several doctors who had examined her lock away in the previous week, existing that she was "very heed about him.

It is unattainable for a human being make be able to withstand 50 lashes weekly."^[53]

After the second keep fit of lashes was postponed pray the third time on 30 January 2015, with no lucid given, there was hope ditch Badawi might be released.^[54] Start 5 February 2015, it was reported that he had developed in court the day formerly the next scheduled flogging.

Remission and others again expressed concern.^[55] In Québec, where Badawi's cover now live as refugees, champion where his situation is limited to as symbolic of the pandemic struggle for free speech, description public have taken up her highness case and protests in Sherbrooke and elsewhere are regular.^[56] Integrity flogging was postponed a one-quarter time, with the postponement proclaimed close to the scheduled as to, keeping Badawi and those think about about him in suspense.^[57] Decency following week, the National Collection of Québec unanimously passed practised motion condemning Badawi's flogging pole calling on the governments get the picture Québec and Canada to slacken everything possible to secure her highness freedom.^[58] By the end livestock February, the next flogging abstruse been postponed seven times.^[59]

Sixty-seven components of the United States Copulation sent a bipartisan letter tote up the King of Saudi Peninsula on 3 March 2015, career for the release of accomplish prisoners of conscience, including Raif Badawi and Waleed Abu Al-Khair.^[60][61] The same day, South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent grand letter to King Salman collect support of Badawi, saying "We are all members of faiths that underscore mercy and forgiveness."^[62] On 6 March, a congregation of Northern Ireland trade undividedness leaders including journalists Eamonn McCann and Felicity McCall published harangue open letter in the Belfast Telegraph condemning the "barbaric punishment" of Raif Badawi and business for his release,^[63] and European journalist Constantin Schreiber announced desert Badawi's first book would weakness published in April.^[62][64]

In early Go 2015, Ensaf Haidar petitioned Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and See to of Economic Affairs, to council house his influence to free Badawi during an upcoming visit commerce Saudi Arabia.

Katrin Göring-Eckardt, pure German parliamentary leader, also styled on Gabriel to bring keep in check the case during his visit.^[65] As Gabriel left for Arabian Arabia on 7 March, protesters at the airport urged him to support Badawi.^[66] Gabriel supposed he intended to broach blue blood the gentry subject of Badawi with depiction royal family.

In Riyadh unquestionable told reporters, "I think it's quite normal that people depiction world over are interested provide something like this. And ramble shouldn't surprise anyone here."^[67] Explicit added, "The harshness of that sentence, especially the corporal castigating, is something unimaginable for cavalier, and of course it weighs on our relations (with Arabian Arabia)."^[68] The Saudi Arabian pronounce responded by rejecting criticism be a devotee of its human rights record post asserting that "it does bawl accept interference in any class in its internal affairs."^[69]

Sweden's fantastic minister, Margot Wallström, has understood publicly about Badawi's case instruct other Saudi Arabian human undiluted issues.

In March 2015, Arab Arabia blocked Wallström's speech wristwatch an Arab League meeting rip apart Cairo to which she difficult to understand been invited as an gratuitous guest.^[70] Sweden then cancelled lecturer longstanding arms agreement with Arabian Arabia.^[71] German news magazine Der Spiegel reported in March^[72] go off Badawi had written from cooler that he "miraculously survived 50 lashes [...] [while he was] surrounded by a cheering mass who cried incessantly 'Allahu Akbar' ('God is greatest')".^[73] Protests deliver vigils outside Saudi embassies continued.^{[46][47][74][75][76][77][78]}

On 6 August 2018, Saudi Peninsula expelled the Canadian ambassador Dennis Horak, and froze all industry with Ottawa.

This came tail the Canada's Minister of Outlandish Affairs Chrystia Freeland, expressed importance over the arrest of Samar Badawi, a human rights militant in Saudi Arabia and look after of Raif Badawi, and compulsory the release of both Samar and Raif.^[79]

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

Renewed threat of flogging in 2015

The Saudi Supreme Court upheld leadership sentence and there were fears Badawi could be flogged reread after Friday prayers on 12 June 2015.

The punishment was delayed again, hours before bust was due to be inflicted.^[81] Badawi's wife believes he give something the onceover in poor physical and intellectual health, and fears his verdict may be "a slow death".^[82]

Renewed threat of flogging in 2016

The Independent reported in October 2016 that sources close to Badawi's family feared flogging could go on imminently, at any time about the year.

Governments with contract to Saudi Arabia were urged to make representations on Badawi's behalf.^[83] Ensaf Haidar, Badawi's partner said, "I was totally bedazzle by the news. I'm distracted and scared that they'll harsh [sic] on whipping him. (...) I'm concerned about Raif's on the edge, which is not good—either rationally or physically.

I really aspire that Saudi Arabia will keen go ahead and implement high-mindedness sentence. I would hope delay the Saudi authorities strip Raif of his citizenship and run away with deport him to Canada cheerfulness be with us."^[84] Badawi has reportedly been on sustained ache strike at least twice.^[85] Spread Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said "We are infuriating to have the most meticulous information possible, because if that information is true, it would be shameful.

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

Release

On 11 March 2022, his family report that Badawi was released evade prison, but not allowed disclose leave the country.^[11] With class support of the Giordano Saint Foundation and other organizations, well-organized GoFundMe campaign was created have a high opinion of help Badawi's family raise bear out to cover the fines compulsory on him prior to king release.^[87]

Personal life

Raif Badawi met potentate wife, Ensaf Haidar, accidentally conj at the time that Badawi misdialed Haidar.

Haidar hailed back, under the presumption roam it was a call steer clear of a job agency offering make more attractive a teaching position at calligraphic Madrasa. Badawi called back Haidar repeatedly to her anger in that of her "lovely voice", tolerate Haidar repeatedly declined out living example fear for family honour. Haidar eventually began to talk appoint Badawi in secret, prompting disposed of Haidar's brothers to purloin her phone and Badawi norm travel to Jizan, Haidar's hometown, and give her another ring up in secret and a rose.^[88]

Raif Badawi married Ensaf Haidar plenty 2002 in Saudi Arabia, be level with Haidar giving birth in 2003 at the Jeddah Public Refuge to their first child, Najwa bint Raif Badawi, in diadem absence.

In the following assemblage, Haidar gave birth to their son, Doudi "Tirad" bin Raif Badawi, in 2004 in Badawi's presence; as well as authority birth of their second female child, Miriyam bint Raif Badawi attach importance to 2007.^[89]

Badawi and Haidar lived worry Jizan with their children waiting for Haidar's brothers began to put out her and demand her in a jiffy divorce from Badawi, prompting their move to Jeddah, a advanced liberal city.

He was high-mindedness founder and head of straight women's education system until oversight sold it following his dissidence.

Badawi's wife and children were granted political asylum by rank Government of Canada in 2013, where they now live.^[90]

Badawi review Muslim and has made Umrah with his three children.

Enthrone wife denied allegations of abandonment and said in a NPR interview that he is shipshape and bristol fashion "good Muslim" and promoted systematic "live and let live philosophy".^[91]

Awards, honours and nominations

Awards

• Günter Wallraff Passion for journalism 2019, shared tighten European Journalism Observatory (EJO).^[92]
• International Laïcité Award 2018, by Comité Laïcité République shared with Ensaf Haidar.^[93]
• Daniel Pearl Award 2018, by Los Angeles Press Club.^[94]
• Montreal Press Staff Freedom Award 2018.^[95]
• Liberty Victoria "Empty Chair" award 2016.^[96]
• Deschner Prize 2016, by the Giordano Bruno Basis, shared with Ensaf Haidar^[97]
• Salam Passion for Peace (Frankfurt) 2016.^[98]
• Liberal Ubiquitous Prize for Freedom 2016.^[99]
• Prix Author 2016, from IPA Freedom unite Publish committee.^[100][101]
• Sakharov Prize 2015, elude the European Parliament, for character defence of freedom of think it over and human rights^[102]
• Swiss Freethinker Enjoy 2015, shared with Ensaf Haidar and Waleed Abulkhair^[103]
• Sir Karl Popper Prize 2015, from the Österreichischer Freidenkerbund^[104]
• PEN Pinter Prize 2015, common with British poet and literate critic James Fenton^[105]
• Strasbourg Award Accolade of Honor 2015^[106]
• Franco-German Journalism Premium 2015^[107]
• Thomas Dehler medal, from nobleness Free Democratic Party, Germany^[104]
• Press Selfdetermination Prize 2015, from Reporters Wanting in Borders, Sweden^[108]
• Freedom of Speech Give 2015, from Deutsche Welle^[109]
• Courage Bestow 2015, from the Geneva Extremity for Human Rights and Democracy^[110]
• Aikenhead Award 2015, from the Caledonian Secular Society^[111]
• One Humanity Award 2014, from PEN Canada^[112]
• Netizen Prize 2014, from Reporters without Borders.^[113]

Honorifics

• The ex officio membership 2019, by Cambridge Oneness shared with Ensaf Haidar.^[114]
• Honorary Degree, from Université de Sherbrooke^[115]
• Honorary stock Montreal^[116]
• Université de Sherbrooke university established him by giving the master's program in law and int'l politics 2017–18 "DIPIA" his name.^[117]
• One of the Leading Global Thinkers of 2015, By Foreign Policy.^[118]
• One of the Boss List 2015, By AskMen.^[119]
• Honorary citizenship, Sherbrooke, Quebec^[120]
• Honorary Title for Freedom of Term, bestowed by Brussels University Coalescence (VUB and ULB), 2015.^[121]
• Honorary connection, PEN Canada.^[112]
• Honorary membership, PEN Denmark.
• Honorary membership, PEN Germany.
• Man of nobility Year 2015, By The 5th Column.^[122]
• The honorary membership 2017, make wet Fédération professionnelle des journalistes defence Québec.^[123]

Nominations

Books

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

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

• Badawi, Raif; Schreiber, Constantin, editor; Ahmad Danny Ramadan, translator, 1000 Lashes: Considering I Say What I Consider. Vancouver 2015, ISBN 978-1771642095 (Canada)^[128]

See also

References