Let's take a look at some of the things the blogger in Saudi Arabia wrote. Does he deserve such harsh punishment for this?
A look at the writings of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi – sentenced to 1,000 lashes
Raif Badawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for setting up a website that championed free speech in the autocratic kingdom. His blog, the Saudi Free Liberals Forum, was shut down after his arrest in 2012.
Ian Black analyses extracts from his key published Arabic writings that show a man who risked his freedom to question some of the basic tenets of life in Saudi Arabia - especially the central role of religion
Saudi blogger faces next 50 lashes as Amnesty calls on UK government to act
Raif Badawi. Amnesty Photograph: Private/Amnesty
Ian Black, Middle East editor
Wednesday 14 January 2015 15.06 EST
As soon as a thinker starts to reveal his ideas, you will find hundreds of fatwas that accused him of being an infidel just because he had the courage to discuss somesacred topics. I’m really worried that Arab thinkers will migrate in search of fresh air and to escape the sword of the religious authorities.
Badawi argued on 28 September 2010 in favour of “secularism [as] the most important refuge for citizens of a country.” Urged by clerics not to attend “heretical” celebrations marking Saudi national day, he underlined the importance of separating religion from the state. Strikingly he does not attack the Saudi monarchy and even praises the liberal governor of Mecca, the intellectual and poet Khaled al-Faisal Al Saud.
Continue reading at:
A look at the writings of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi sentenced to 1 000 lashes World news The Guardian
A look at the writings of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi – sentenced to 1,000 lashes
Raif Badawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for setting up a website that championed free speech in the autocratic kingdom. His blog, the Saudi Free Liberals Forum, was shut down after his arrest in 2012.
Ian Black analyses extracts from his key published Arabic writings that show a man who risked his freedom to question some of the basic tenets of life in Saudi Arabia - especially the central role of religion
Saudi blogger faces next 50 lashes as Amnesty calls on UK government to act
Raif Badawi. Amnesty Photograph: Private/Amnesty
Ian Black, Middle East editor
Wednesday 14 January 2015 15.06 EST
As soon as a thinker starts to reveal his ideas, you will find hundreds of fatwas that accused him of being an infidel just because he had the courage to discuss somesacred topics. I’m really worried that Arab thinkers will migrate in search of fresh air and to escape the sword of the religious authorities.
Badawi argued on 28 September 2010 in favour of “secularism [as] the most important refuge for citizens of a country.” Urged by clerics not to attend “heretical” celebrations marking Saudi national day, he underlined the importance of separating religion from the state. Strikingly he does not attack the Saudi monarchy and even praises the liberal governor of Mecca, the intellectual and poet Khaled al-Faisal Al Saud.
Continue reading at:
A look at the writings of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi sentenced to 1 000 lashes World news The Guardian
