Raif Badawi

Raif Badawi is a young writer and activist who promoted discussion and dissent targeting the oppressive Saudi monarchy and Islamic Sharia law on his website Free Saudi Liberals. Raif was first arrested and released in 2008 for alleged apostasy, a conviction that carries an automatic death sentence. In 2012, Badawi was convicted of “insulting Islam through electronic channels” and again faced a possible conviction of apostasy. He was sentenced to 1000 lashes, 10 years in prison, and $250,000 in fines for blogging. His sentence sparked an international outcry for Raif’s freedom led by Badawi’s wife, Ensaf Haidar.

In recognition of Raif’s struggle and efforts to bring progressive thought to the region, Badawi has received numerous humanitarian awards including successive Nobel Peace Prize nominations in 2015 and 2016. Raif was released from prison in 2022, but he is barred from leaving Saudi Arabia for an additional 10 years. Haidar, who found asylum in Canada with their three children, continues to work for Raif’s complete freedom.