Special reading of the works of Raif Badawi

October 20th from 19:00 to 20:30 in the European Parliament, Altiero Spinelli A1G-3 Raif Badawi is the most well-known imprisoned human rights activist of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi authorities claim that Badawi is a danger to public order because of peaceful views he expressed in his blog which included stating that Muslims, Christians, Jews and Atheists are all equals. In 2014 he was sentenced to ten years in prison, a fine and 1000 lashes. This sentence has been reconfirmed by the Saudi Supreme Court this year. His punishment triggered international condemnation. In February the European Parliament issued a resolution calling for his release. At the event there will be a special reading of Badawi's texts. He was recently voted on the short list of this year's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. This event will be co-hosted by Josef Weidenholzer (S&D), Marietje Schaake (ALDE), Mark Demesmaeker (ECR) and Barbara Lochbihler (The Greens/EFA), with opening remarks by the Vice-President of the European Parliament Ulrike Lunacek. See also: 16-06-2015 MEP: Saudi Arabia must pardon Raif Badawi 13-02-2015 MEP: Saudi Arabia must release Raif Badawi 12-02-2015 Plenary speech & Resolution on Saudi Arabia and the case of Raif Badawi 29-01-2015 MEPs address King Salman of Saudi Arabia regarding the case of Raif Badawi 21-01-2015 MEPs call for urgent action in the case of Saudi Arabian Writer Raif Badawi 30-09-2014 Written Question to the High Representative on the case of Raif Badawi in Saudi Arabia