World

Sakharov prize 'message of hope', says wife of Saudi blogger

Ensaf Haidar believes that the award is a message to Saudi authorities exhibiting Raif's innocence

Afp October 29, 2015

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi (C) is seen between other photos of prisoners in Saudi Arabia during a demonstration for his release from jail outside the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Mexico City in February 20, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

MONTREAL: The wife of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi said Thursday his winning of the European Parliament's prestigious Sakharov human rights prize was a "message of hope and courage."

"I thank the European Parliament. I am very happy about this award," Ensaf Haidar told AFP on behalf of her husband, who was sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison on grounds of insulting Islam. He was arrested in 2012.

"It is a message of hope and courage for him," she said.

Selection of Saudia Arabia to head UN human rights panel sparks anger

It is also a message to the Saudi authorities to the effect that "Raif is not guilty," said his wife, who lives in Canada with their three children.

"I hope that this prize is going to help advance" Badawi's cause and allow him to rejoin his family, said Haidar.

She also expressed hope that Justin Trudeau, who is scheduled to take over as Canada's prime minister next week, will intervene to try to get Badawi out of Saudi Arabia.