Saudi Arabia: Blogger Raif Badawi may now face death penalty

Saudi Arabian blogger and activist Raif Badawi may soon face the death penalty.

Badawi's wife, Ensaf Haidar, has revealed that "official sources" from inside the Saudi Kingdom have released "dangerous information" that indicates judges in Saudi Arabia's criminal court are pushing for Badawi's re-trial for apostasy.

If found guilty of apostasy, Badawi could face the death penalty under Saudi law.

In a Facebook statement, reported by Channel 4 News, Badawi's family said the case would be referred to the same judge who sentenced the blogger to flogging and 10 years imprisonment.

"[This judge] twice requested that Raif be charged with 'apostasy'. His request was declined at the time on the ground that the Criminal court has no jurisdiction on cases that lead to death penalty.

"However, due to a new regulation issued by the Supreme Judicial Council on 19.09.2014, the Penal court has now jurisdiction over major cases, which are punishable by the death penalty, amputation and stoning.

"We have reasons to believe without any doubts that the same judge has again asked the Head of the Court of Apeal to charge Raif with 'Apostasy'.

"We call on the world citizens and governments not to leave Raif dragged by such bigots to death. And we renew our calls to his Majesty King Salman to pardon Raif Badawi and allow him to leave for Canada to be united with his family there."

Badawi, 31, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, 1,000 lashes and ordered to pay one million Saudi riyals (£157,220) for setting up the Saudi Arabian Free Liberals Forum.

He was initially charged with apostasy in 2013, however, after reassuring the court that he is a believing Muslim, the charge was dropped by the judge, reported The Independent.

The news comes as a disappointment to international human rights groups, like Amnesty International, and Badawi's supporters worldwide, who have been calling for his floggings to be halted.

In an earlier statement, Said Boumedouha, deputy director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa programme said: "Instead of continuing to torment Raif Badawi by dragging out his ordeal with repeated assessments the authorities should publicly announce an end to his flogging and release him immediately and unconditionally."