Release Saudi Blogger Raif Badawi

by | May 23, 2014
Badawi

tinyurl.com/mbha49p

On May 20th, the International Association of Free Thought (IAFT) sent an appeal asking for the release of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi.

On May 23, Atheist Freethinkers joined the appeal launched by the (IAFT) with the following press release sent to John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Andrew Bennett, office of Religious Freedom:

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Canada Must Demand the Release of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi

Montreal, 23rd May 2014 — Atheist Freethinkers (LPA-AFT), an association which promotes secularism and supports the rights of atheists, asks the Honourable John Baird, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, to demand that the government of Saudi Arabia release the blogger Raif Badawi who is currently imprisoned in that country for the “crime” of insulting Islam. Mr. Badawi was given an initial sentence of 7.25 years and 600 lashes, but that punishment was increased recently to 10 years, 1000 lashes and one million ryals (about $290,000 CDN).

Raif Badawi is the creator of the web site Free Saudi Liberals through which he peacefully expressed his opinions. He is accused of being a threat to general security, of failing to be obedient as he criticized certain religious authorities, and of violating Islamic values. In the past, Mr. Badawi had already faced accusations of apostasy for which Saudi Arabia, as well as several other majority-Muslim countries, apply the death penalty.

This new punishment for a so-called “crime” is not only draconian but itself constitutes a crime against freedom of conscience – not only that of Mr. Badawi but also the freedom of conscience of all Saudis.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia recently raised international outrage by adopting a series of laws which designate atheism as a form of “terrorism” and stipulate severe penalties, sometimes even death. It is now a criminal act in that country to visit an atheist web site or communicate with an atheist organization.

The association LPA-AFT thus joins the appeal launched by the International Association of Free Thought (IAFT), of which it is an affiliate, for the release of Raif Badawi and for the respect of freedom of conscience in Saudi Arabia. We ask Minister Baird to make it known to the Saudi government that its policy in this matter is unacceptable and that complete respect for freedom of conscience – including the freedom to apostatize – is a fundamental condition of the rule of law.

4 thoughts on “Release Saudi Blogger Raif Badawi

  1. Corwin

    Of course it’s ridiculous and repressive to criminalise the peaceful expression of opinion, but should the case of Raif Badawi really be a priority for our Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Saudi Arabia is a sovereign country that doesn’t seem terribly vulnerable to outside pressure, and Canada’s diplomatic capital is limited. I’d prefer that John Baird stick primarily to discussing trade and security with the Saudis. If he wants to lecture Saudi Arabia about excessive religious zeal, he might tell them to lay off our Dutch friends.

    Reply
    1. Veronica Abbass Post author

      “I’d prefer that John Baird stick primarily to discussing trade and security with the Saudis.”

      Thanks for your support Corwin!

      It’s time for John Baird and the office of religious Freedom to support atheists like Badawi.

      Reply
      1. Corwin

        Sometimes I just have to be the loyal opposition around here. But I do try to stay loyal.

        Reply
  2. Tim Underwood

    Taking possession of the oil fields is the only option with any hope of success. Poor people will occasionally risk the lives of their children over some interpretations of a few obscure lines of scripture. The rich, on the other hand, would never put their wealth in peril. Loosing your wealth is a sign of disapproval from on high!

    Reply

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