Resolution number: 03
Title:
Calling for the release of Raif Badawi
The Executive Committee of Liberal International, convened in Zurich, Switzerland, on 12 June 2015
Considering that
- Raif Badawi, a journalist, human rights activist and creator of the website Free Saudi Liberals, was sentenced by the courts in Saudi Arabia to 10 years in prison, 1000 lashes, a travel and social media ban, and a fine of 1 million riyals, for solely exercising his freedom of expression;
- Liberals have spoken out on the national, regional and international level against the confirmation of that sentence on 7 June 2015;
Noting that
- Articles 5 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights state that no one should be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression;
- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a member of the UN Human Rights Council, which brings with it responsibilities that it does not meet;
Condemns
- the unjust detention and cruel punishment of Raif Badawi;
Calls
- on the Saudi Arabia authorities that the sentence be immediately suspended and ultimately revoked, and that Raif Badawi is immediately and unconditionally released.
