Saudi blogger on hunger strike, condition worsens

Just finished the book, 1000 Lashes: Because I say what I think, by imprisoned Saudi blogger, Raif Badawi just as this headline appeared in the news. Badawi was arrested by the Saudi government in 2012 for insulting Islam and apostasy through his writing featured on his blog. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes in public. He has received the first installment of 50 lashes in early 2015.

He is currently on a hunger strike to protest his sentences as well as the appalling conditions in which he is kept. His wife, Ensaf Haidar, is worried about his deteriorating health and is calling on the international community, as well as concerned individuals, to advocate for his release. I was fortunate to take a an online class with Amnesty International last month which included a live chat session with Badawi’s wife, Ensaf. She is really strong and quickly becoming a towering figure for freedom of expression advocacy. Follow her on Twitter here to learn the latest on Raif Badawi.

If you get a chance, read Badawi’s short book, 1000 Lashes when you get a chance. Learn more about Raif Badawi here.