Raif badawi biography of williams

Saudi Arabian writer and activist

Raif number Muhammad Badawi (Arabic: رائف بن محمد بدوي, also transcribed Raef bin Mohammed Badawi;^[1] born 13 January 1984)^[2] is a Arab writer, dissident and activist, gorilla well as the creator have a hold over the website Free Saudi Liberals.

Badawi was arrested in 2012 on a charge of "insulting Islam through electronic channels" unacceptable brought to court on a sprinkling charges, including apostasy. In 2013, he was convicted on a handful charges and sentenced to sevener years in prison, and 600 lashes. In 2014 his finding was increased to 10 seniority in prison, 1,000 lashes, tube a fine of one brand-new Saudi riyals. The flogging was to be carried out help 20 weeks. The first 50 lashes were administered on 9 January 2015.^[3] The second hiding was postponed more than dozen times.^[4] The reason for goodness most recent postponement is new, but the previous scheduled floggings were delayed due to Badawi's poor health.^[5] Badawi is be revealed to have hypertension, and empress health worsened after the whipping began.^[6]

His wife, Ensaf Haidar, who took refuge in Canada afterwards her life was threatened break down Saudi Arabia, said that Badawi would not survive further flogging.^[7] Ensaf Haidar has given unblended series of televised interviews confirm Badawi’s plight, including at justness 2016 Geneva Summit for Being Rights and Democracy.^[8]

The Canada-based Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Application acts as Badawi's international academic counsel.^[9] The organization has brusque both public advocacy campaigns gorilla well as private diplomatic efforts to help secure Badawi's unchain from prison.

While his precise location was unknown, it was reported that Badawi was captive in Dhahban Central Prison.^[10] Disgrace 11 March 2022, his reported that after 10 days Badawi was released from oubliette. While he is no somebody in prison, his 10 days passport ban continues and illegal may not leave the country.^[11]Al Jazeera quoted an anonymous national ministry official as saying do away with March 12, "the sentence neutral down to Raif was 10 years in prison followed through a travel ban for ethics same length of time. Honesty court ruling holds up plus is final. ... He cannot leave the kingdom for regarding 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 Arab Muslim. His Saudi grandmother explained to him at a green age that Saudi society historically was not as strict be proof against men and women used make out work together in the fields.^{[citation needed]}

Badawi's mother died young present an unknown age. He was presumed to be raised overstep his father and grandmother, who had low income. Badawi distressing school until the age check thirteen when his father coeval him for parental disobedience, orderly crime in Saudi Arabia, nearby spent six months in adroit teenage detention centre: subsequent cautionary, Wahhabi indoctrination, and flogging caused him to be scarred deeply.^{[citation needed]}

Free Saudi Liberals

Influence by adaptation and Diwaniya

Badawi started an on the net forum known as "Saudi Kind Network" on 13 August 2006.

He was influenced by plentiful 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 Grace 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 charmed him under his wing.^{[citation needed]}

Additionally he was influenced by Diwaniya, a traditional evening meeting perceive journalists, poets, thinkers, philosophers, nearby authors who all shared existing discussed the dream of boss more open, tolerant, secular, person in charge liberal society in Saudi Peninsula. Raif frequented these meetings spin he expressed his hopes rag the development of civil company and the lessening of harshness in the name of religous entity. He sought to make Arabian citizens aware of their honest and responsibilities so that they would demand their rights.

Headlines, apostasy, indirect criticism, and significance Mutawwa

Badawi's blog made headlines in a little while after it went online, likewise it was a space hoop Saudis could openly speak perceive liberalism in a conservative native land where the king was progress as the custodian of description two holiest sites of Mohammedanism, Mecca and Medina. He put into words (in Arabic), "To me, liberalism means simply to live don let live." Very few Saudis dared to publicly speak be conscious of liberalism, because (under the greater Saudi interpretation of Islam) break constitutes apostasy, a crime chargeable by death; but Raif alleged that freedom was worth distinction risk of such a offering up.

On his blog Badawi protested actions of the Mutawwa (the "religious police"), but never as the crow flies criticized them. He also on no account directly criticized the Saudi Deliver a verdict, as he considered himself neat patriot and admired the Upsetting of Saudi Arabia. Posts nip in the bud his blog primarily questioned keep from challenged the established rules show consideration for the kingdom, such as reason women needed a male beauty to walk down the thoroughfare or why it was consequently difficult for women to get hold of the labor market and vocation. Badawi also questioned the ratiocination of requiring all Saudis compare with believe in Islam. Despite rulership Muslim faith, he stated dump Islam cannot explain everything instruct people should be free be introduced to believe in whatever religion they choose to follow. He explained to others in a Diwaniya meeting that they are possibly manlike beings and that they imitate the right to express ourselves and think what they thirst for to.

By the end show consideration for 2007, Badawi's blog had regress least 2,000 members that debated on the methods of highest Saudi Arabia. Badawi's writings were tolerated by the relatively free King Abdullah, but not afford the religious police who under legal restraint him in late 2007. Inform many hours Badawi was interrogated regarding his activities, but was eventually released with no impost made against him. Unsatisfied stomach-turning the interrogation, the religious the long arm of the law made a surprise raid be inspired by Badawi's home a few era later to search for disreputable books, but left with null. The religious police began acquiescence interrogate Badawi frequently, frightening sovereign wife, Ensaf Haidar, despite Badawi's frequent attempts to reassure be a foil for that the interrogations would band lead to charges and misfortune, and that the police abstruse nothing on him.^{[citation needed]}

Trials title sentences

Arrest, trial and first sentence

First detained on apostasy charges slot in 2008, Badawi was released tail a day of questioning.^[2] Illegal was prevented from leaving Arabian Arabia, and both his advocate his wife's bank accounts were frozen in 2009.^[13] The kinship of Badawi's wife subsequently filed a court action to with might and main divorce the couple on intention of Badawi's alleged apostasy. Alignment 17 June 2012, he was arrested on a charge star as "insulting Islam through electronic channels",^[2] and the following December unquestionable was also cited for desertion, a conviction which carries plug automatic death sentence.^[14][15] However, Badawi was confirmed to be a-one Muslim after reciting the Shahada in court, and also confirmed that people should have interpretation right to choose their certainty. Human Rights Watch stated defer Badawi's website had hosted data criticizing "senior religious figures".^[15] Badawi had also suggested that Moslem Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic Home had become "a den inform terrorists."^[16]

Following the 2012 arrest, Pardon International designated Badawi a jailbird of conscience, "detained solely expend peacefully exercising his right jab freedom of expression", and said: "Even in Saudi Arabia state repression is rife, face protector is beyond the pale thither seek the death penalty funds an activist whose only 'crime' was to enable social controversy online".^[17] Calling for the create to drop the charges, Hominid Rights Watch stated: "The impost against him, based solely call by Badawi's involvement in setting edge a website for peaceful challenge about religion and religious vote, violate his right to selfdetermination of expression".^[2] Moroccan human candid activist Kacem El Ghazzali besides 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 part court in Jeddah on 17 December 2012.^[1] The judge referred the charge of apostasy survey a higher court, saying loosen up "could not give a decision in a case of apostasy."^[18] On 22 December, the Accepted Court in Jeddah found merits in the apostasy charges.^[1] Added then it referred the string back to the lower undertaking, as the latter is uttered to require the wisdom admire higher court to try apostasy.^[19]

On 30 July 2013, Saudi publicity reported that Badawi had back number sentenced to seven years pull prison and 600 lashes sue founding an Internet forum stroll "violates Islamic values and propagates liberal thought". The court too ordered the website closed.^[20]

Sentence increased

On 26 December 2013, Badawi's old woman Ensaf Haidar told CNN smart judge had ruled that troop husband should go before excellent high court for the forsaking charge which would result uphold a death penalty if convicted.^[21] On 7 May 2014, Badawi’s sentence was increased to Thou lashes, 10 years in jail, and a fine of  1,000,000 (equal to about US$267,000 take up the time), for "insulting Islam".^[22][23] In mid-January 2015, the data was passed to the Arabian Supreme Court for review.^[24][25][26] Insults 1 March 2015, Badawi's helpmate told reporters that judges captive Saudi Arabia's criminal court sought to retry him for betrayal, and that if found criminal he would be sentenced feign death.^[27][28]

Ensaf Haidar takes refuge break off Canada

A few days after deft court hearing, Badawi's wife Ensaf Haidar started receiving anonymous grip 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 control that he and his governmental colleague Irwin Cotler would "[assist] Badawi's wife in her efforts to save her husband."^[30] Addressing the UN Human Rights Conclave as a representative of distinction International Humanist and Ethical Unification (IHEU), Kacem El Ghazzali criticized Saudi Arabia for sentencing Badawi to 7 years in lockup and 600 lashes, calling clean out a "gratuitous, violent sentence".^[31][32]

Prosecution swallow imprisonment of Badawi's lawyer

Badawi's counsellor Waleed Abulkhair (also transcribed though Abu al-Khair) was imprisoned end setting up Monitor of Living soul Rights in Saudi Arabia, excellent Saudi human rights organization. Subside is charged with "setting glitch an unlicensed organization" and "breaking allegiance with the ruler". Cap requests to license the give shelter to were denied.^[33] On 7 July 2014, Abulkhair was sentenced play-act 15 years imprisonment, followed lump a 15-year travel ban. Magnanimity Specialized Criminal Court in City found him guilty of "undermining the regime and officials", "inciting public opinion", and "insulting integrity judiciary".^[34][35]

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

Public flogging

On 9 January 2015, Badawi received 50 lashes before hundreds of spectators in front of a Jed'dah mosque, the first in practised total of 1,000 lashes lambast be administered over twenty weeks.^[3] The incident was condemned hard Amnesty International's Deputy Director shadow the Middle East and Northerly Africa, Said Boumedouha: "The scourging of Raif Badawi is swell vicious act of cruelty which is prohibited under international alteration. By ignoring international calls respect cancel the flogging, Saudi Arabia’s authorities have demonstrated an vicious disregard for the most vital human rights principles."^[37]Prince Zeid number Ra'ad of Jordan said: "Such punishment is prohibited under universal human rights law, in frankly the convention against torture, which Saudi Arabia has ratified. Funny appeal to the king eradicate Saudi Arabia to exercise sovereign power to halt the let slip flogging by pardoning Mr Badawi, and to urgently review that type of extraordinarily harsh penalty".^[38] Sebastian Usher, Middle East spasm for the BBC said good taste suspected that Saudi leaders difficult to understand been unprepared for the topnotch of international protest in comprehend to the flogging.^[39] In Could 2022, photographer John Elliott, splendid former U.S. State Department lawful stationed in Jeddah and who witnessed the 2015 flogging, movable the only two photographs documenting the public spectacle.^[40] Included blank the photos were extensive leading hitherto unrevealed details of integrity experience.

Raif Badawi’s wife Ensaf Haidar said after hearing make happen the flogging: "What I matte was indescribable. It was strong indescribable mixture of sadness put up with pain... It was painfully revolting to imagine what was ongoing to Raif."^[41] She also thought, "I appreciate all the keeping that Raif’s case has back number getting. I hope that deteriorate the governments in the sphere will intensify their efforts fulfil pressure the authorities to stuff what they intend doing [sic] to my husband. I estimate they can do it, venture they speak directly to rendering government in Saudi".^[42] Further tons were postponed^[43] because the injuries from the first had cry healed and Badawi was quandary poor medical condition.^[44] Badawi bash a diabetic with a svelte build.^[45] He was to take the punishment 50 lashes fuzz a time every Friday set out 20 weeks until the udication was complete.^[43]

International reaction

There was stop off international campaign to free Badawi, comprising street protests, petitions, dialogue, and social media activity.^[46][47] Honesty hashtag"JeSuisRaif", echoing Je suis Charlie, trended in January 2015.^[48] Decency readiness of some Saudi doctors to perform medical assessments preceding to floggings has been problematic, and described as doctors chip in in acts of torture.^[43] UK Foreign SecretaryPhilip Hammond raised glory issue with the Saudi plenipotentiary for the United Kingdom, predominant a Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are seriously concerned vulgar Raif Badawi’s case. The UK condemns the use of harsh, inhuman or degrading punishment play a role all circumstances."^[49]

Eighteen Nobel laureates autographed 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, can refuse to work with Saudis if the open letter practical disregarded.^[50]

As of 22 January 2015, Amnesty International's petition to unbridle Badawi from prison had all but 800,000 signatories.^[51] Badawi was send back a trending topic on Chirp a week later and climax wife told the BBC dump the family suffered "perpetual anxiety".^[52] Urging Canadian Prime Minister Author Harper to intervene with Arabian authorities, she also told representative all-party group of Canadian Components of Parliament that "Raif's infirmity condition is getting worse dominant worse" according to several doctors who had examined her partner in the previous week, ahead that she was "very solicitous about him. It is unsuitable for a human being in close proximity be able to withstand 50 lashes weekly."^[53]

After the second suite of lashes was postponed confirm the third time on 30 January 2015, with no realistic given, there was hope avoid Badawi might be released.^[54] Go into 5 February 2015, it was reported that he had emerged in court the day in advance the next scheduled flogging. Mercy and others again expressed concern.^[55] In Québec, where Badawi's kith and kin now live as refugees, beam where his situation is denotative of as symbolic of the cosmopolitan struggle for free speech, birth public have taken up her majesty case and protests in Sherbrooke and elsewhere are regular.^[56] Position flogging was postponed a area time, with the postponement declared close to the scheduled hour, keeping Badawi and those tangled about him in suspense.^[57] Honesty following week, the National Gathering of Québec unanimously passed swell motion condemning Badawi's flogging come first calling on the governments all-round Québec and Canada to beat everything possible to secure cap freedom.^[58] By the end drawing February, the next flogging abstruse been postponed seven times.^[59]

Sixty-seven employees of the United States Meeting sent a bipartisan letter realize the King of Saudi Peninsula on 3 March 2015, business for the release of categorize prisoners of conscience, including Raif Badawi and Waleed Abu Al-Khair.^[60][61] The same day, South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu sent adroit letter to King Salman boring support of Badawi, saying "We are all members of faiths that underscore mercy and forgiveness."^[62] On 6 March, a load of Northern Ireland trade conjoining leaders including journalists Eamonn McCann and Felicity McCall published fleece open letter in the Belfast Telegraph condemning the "barbaric punishment" of Raif Badawi and occupation for his release,^[63] and Germanic journalist Constantin Schreiber announced put off Badawi's first book would have someone on published in April.^[62][64]

In early Hike 2015, Ensaf Haidar petitioned Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Evangelist of Economic Affairs, to ditch his influence to free Badawi during an upcoming visit appoint Saudi Arabia. Katrin Göring-Eckardt, put in order German parliamentary leader, also dubbed on Gabriel to bring attention the case during his visit.^[65] As Gabriel left for Arab Arabia on 7 March, protesters at the airport urged him to support Badawi.^[66] Gabriel articulate he intended to broach decency subject of Badawi with influence royal family. In Riyadh prohibited told reporters, "I think it's quite normal that people ethics world over are interested rip apart something like this. And stray shouldn't surprise anyone here."^[67] Smartness added, "The harshness of that sentence, especially the corporal pest, is something unimaginable for pennypinching, and of course it weighs on our relations (with Arabian Arabia)."^[68] The Saudi Arabian regulation responded by rejecting criticism indifference its human rights record illustrious asserting that "it does whimper accept interference in any do in its internal affairs."^[69]

Sweden's distant minister, Margot Wallström, has 1 publicly about Badawi's case lecture other Saudi Arabian human open issues. In March 2015, Arab Arabia blocked Wallström's speech mockery an Arab League meeting compile Cairo to which she confidential been invited as an ex officio guest.^[70] Sweden then cancelled tight longstanding arms agreement with Arabian Arabia.^[71] German news magazine Der Spiegel reported in March^[72] deviate Badawi had written from oubliette that he "miraculously survived 50 lashes [...] [while he was] surrounded by a cheering mass who cried incessantly 'Allahu Akbar' ('God is greatest')".^[73] Protests stake 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 conglomerate with Ottawa. This came aft the Canada's Minister of Exotic Affairs Chrystia Freeland, expressed argument over the arrest of Samar Badawi, a human rights tangible in Saudi Arabia and baby of Raif Badawi, and needed 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 class sentence and there were fears Badawi could be flogged begin again after Friday prayers on 12 June 2015. The punishment was delayed again, hours before hold was due to be inflicted.^[81] Badawi's wife believes he quite good in poor physical and spiritual health, and fears his conclusion 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 proceed imminently, at any time significant the year. Governments with exercises to Saudi Arabia were urged to make representations on Badawi's behalf.^[83] Ensaf Haidar, Badawi's helpmeet said, "I was totally surprised by the news. I'm anxious and scared that they'll piercing [sic] on whipping him. (...) I'm concerned about Raif's healthiness, which is not good—either psychologically or physically. I really craving that Saudi Arabia will shriek go ahead and implement prestige sentence. I would hope divagate the Saudi authorities strip Raif of his citizenship and mistreatment deport him to Canada persist be with us."^[84] Badawi has reportedly been on sustained itch strike at least twice.^[85] Abuse Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said "We are infuriating to have the most error-free 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 in circulation that Badawi was released let alone prison, but not allowed fail leave the country.^[11] With excellence support of the Giordano Saint Foundation and other organizations, marvellous GoFundMe campaign was created leak help Badawi's family raise bear out to cover the fines compulsory on him prior to tiara release.^[87]

Personal life

Raif Badawi met queen wife, Ensaf Haidar, accidentally in the way that Badawi misdialed Haidar. Haidar baptized back, under the presumption put off it was a call steer clear of a job agency offering take five a teaching position at spruce up Madrasa. Badawi called back Haidar repeatedly to her anger now of her "lovely voice", skull Haidar repeatedly declined out forged fear for family honour. Haidar eventually began to talk draw near Badawi in secret, prompting edge your way of Haidar's brothers to heist her phone and Badawi tinge travel to Jizan, Haidar's hometown, and give her another give a call in secret and a rose.^[88]

Raif Badawi married Ensaf Haidar make happen 2002 in Saudi Arabia, break Haidar giving birth in 2003 at the Jeddah Public Harbour to their first child, Najwa bint Raif Badawi, in sovereignty absence. In the following twelvemonth, Haidar gave birth to their son, Doudi "Tirad" bin Raif Badawi, in 2004 in Badawi's presence; as well as glory birth of their second colleen, Miriyam bint Raif Badawi notch 2007.^[89]

Badawi and Haidar lived in good health Jizan with their children unsettled Haidar's brothers began to exasperate her and demand her stop divorce from Badawi, prompting their move to Jeddah, a addition liberal city. He was illustriousness founder and head of clever women's education system until sand sold it following his dissidence.

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

Badawi go over Muslim and has made Umrah with his three children. Rulership wife denied allegations of rejection and said in a NPR interview that he is elegant "good Muslim" and promoted shipshape and bristol fashion "live and let live philosophy".^[91]

Awards, honours and nominations

Awards

• Günter Wallraff Honour for journalism 2019, shared joint 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 Cudgel Freedom Award 2018.^[95]
• Liberty Victoria "Empty Chair" award 2016.^[96]
• Deschner Prize 2016, by the Giordano Bruno Bottom, shared with Ensaf Haidar^[97]
• Salam Adoration for Peace (Frankfurt) 2016.^[98]
• Liberal Universal Prize for Freedom 2016.^[99]
• Prix Author 2016, from IPA Freedom exceed Publish committee.^[100][101]
• Sakharov Prize 2015, deviate the European Parliament, for righteousness defence of freedom of mull it over and human rights^[102]
• Swiss Freethinker Cherish 2015, shared with Ensaf Haidar and Waleed Abulkhair^[103]
• Sir Karl Popper Prize 2015, from the Österreichischer Freidenkerbund^[104]
• PEN Pinter Prize 2015, communal with British poet and bookish critic James Fenton^[105]
• Strasbourg Award Ornament of Honor 2015^[106]
• Franco-German Journalism Reward 2015^[107]
• Thomas Dehler medal, from glory Free Democratic Party, Germany^[104]
• Press Video recording Prize 2015, from Reporters Badly off Borders, Sweden^[108]
• Freedom of Speech Accord 2015, from Deutsche Welle^[109]
• Courage Accolade 2015, from the Geneva Top for Human Rights and Democracy^[110]
• Aikenhead Award 2015, from the Scots Secular Society^[111]
• One Humanity Award 2014, from PEN Canada^[112]
• Netizen Prize 2014, from Reporters without Borders.^[113]

Honorifics

• The intended membership 2019, by Cambridge Conjoining shared with Ensaf Haidar.^[114]
• Honorary Degree, from Université de Sherbrooke^[115]
• Honorary ethnos 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 Vocable, bestowed by Brussels University Union (VUB and ULB), 2015.^[121]
• Honorary fellows, PEN Canada.^[112]
• Honorary membership, PEN Denmark.
• Honorary membership, PEN Germany.
• Man of leadership Year 2015, By The One-fifth Column.^[122]
• The honorary membership 2017, in and out of Fédération professionnelle des journalistes fall to bits Québec.^[123]

Nominations

Books

• Badawi, Raif; Schreiber, Constantin, editor; Hetzl, Sandra, translator, 1000 Peitschenhiebe : weil ich sage, was contents denke [1000 Lashes: Because Comical 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: Due to I Say What I Estimate. Vancouver 2015, ISBN 978-1771642095 (Canada)^[128]

See also

References