Blogger sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for "insulting Islam."
Raif Badawi is a Saudi blogger and human rights activist who gained international attention for his arrest and subsequent sentencing due to his online writings advocating for freedom of expression and social reform in Saudi Arabia.
Born on January 13, 1984, in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Badawi co-founded the website Free Saudi Liberals in 2008, aiming to promote open discussion on political and religious issues. In June 2012, he was arrested on charges of "insulting Islam through electronic channels" and later accused of apostasy, a crime punishable by death in Saudi Arabia. However, he recited the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) in court, affirming his Muslim identity and avoiding the death sentence.
In July 2013, a Saudi court sentenced Badawi to seven years in prison and 600 lashes for insulting Islam and violating the anti-cybercrime law. In May 2014, an appeals court increased his sentence to 10 years in prison, 1,000 lashes, a fine of 1 million Saudi riyals (approximately USD 267,000), and a 10-year travel and media ban following his release.
Born on January 13, 1984, in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Badawi co-founded the website Free Saudi Liberals in 2008, aiming to promote open discussion on political and religious issues. In June 2012, he was arrested on charges of "insulting Islam through electronic channels" and later accused of apostasy, a crime punishable by death in Saudi Arabia. However, he recited the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) in court, affirming his Muslim identity and avoiding the death sentence.
In July 2013, a Saudi court sentenced Badawi to seven years in prison and 600 lashes for insulting Islam and violating the anti-cybercrime law. In May 2014, an appeals court increased his sentence to 10 years in prison, 1,000 lashes, a fine of 1 million Saudi riyals (approximately USD 267,000), and a 10-year travel and media ban following his release.