In May 2014, Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1,000 lashes, 10 years in prison, a 10 year travel ban, and lifetime ban from appearing on media outlets. What horrific crime did Badawi commit?
Raif Badawi created the "Saudi Arabian Liberals" website, encouraging political and social debate. Charged with violating Saudi Arabia's information technology law, Raif has been silenced, jailed, and publicly beaten and humiliated.
Now, there are reports he may be charged with apostasy—a crime that carries the death penalty. The Saudi Arabian government's treatment of Raif Badawi is inexcusable and inhumane, and it's time for our world leaders to step in and demand freedom for Raif Badawi. If we stand by and allow this sentence to play out, other brave activists in Saudi Arabia will receive the wrong message: to keep their mouths shut, because freedom of speech is punishable by death.
Freedom of speech is a human right. Sign your name and demand justice for Raif Badawi!
To: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia
Joseph Westphal, U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Your Majesty,
I am profoundly disturbed that Saudi blogger Raif Badawi was publicly flogged in front of al-Jafali mosque after Friday prayers. I call on you to quash Raif Badawi's flogging sentence immediately, as it is a flagrant violation of the prohibition on torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under international law. Please ensure that he is not flogged again in the coming months.
I believe that Raif Badawi is a Prisoner of Conscience, held solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. Please drop all charges against Badawi and ensure that he is unconditionally released without further delay.
I am also deeply concerned about the number of activists in Saudi Arabia who, like Raif Badawi, are persecuted for openly expressing their views online. I call on you to stop arresting, charging, prosecuting and sentencing activists for simply exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.
[your comment here]
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
[your name]
