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As President Obama visits Saudi Arabia this week, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) – a leading voice in Congress on human rights – spoke on the House floor to call for the release of  Saudi Arabian blogger, Raif Badawi. Badawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes for his liberal writings and support for secularism. His wife and children, fearing for their lives, fled the country and now live in Canada.

In today’s speech, Congressman McGovern called on President Obama to use his meeting this week with Saudi Arabian King Salman to urge the pardon of Badawi and allow him to join his family in Canada. Congressman McGovern’s call for Badawi’s release is part of a growing chorus demanding action, including Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, and a Washington Post editorial this week.

Click here for video of today’s speech.

Text of Congressman McGovern’s Floor Speech is Below:

“I stand today on behalf of the Saudi Arabian blogger, Raif Badawi.

“In 2014, Saudi Arabian authorities sentenced Raif to ten years in prison and 1,000 lashes for his liberal writings and support for secularism. Today is Raif’s 1,425^th day in prison. He has been publicly flogged 50 times, and his wife and children, fearful for their safety, have had to abandon their country for Canada. But Raif is not a criminal; he is a champion of freedom of thought and expression in a kingdom whose rulers fear both.

“This week President Obama will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council. When the President sees King Salman, he should urge him to pardon Raif and allow him to join his wife and three children in Canada.

“I seek the full support of Congress and the Obama Administration in urging the Saudi Arabian government to free Raif, and all other prisoners of conscience like him, as befits any government with a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.”   

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