Raif Badawi on hunger strike, says wife of Saudi blogger

Ensaf Haidar, the wife of imprisoned Saudi blogger Raif Badawi,claims her husband has begun a hunger strike, and she's once again calling on the King of Saudi Arabia to issue him a pardon.

Haidartweeted Thursday that her husbandRaif Badawi has been on a hunger strike since Tuesday, after being transferred to a new and "isolated" prison a week ago.

In 2014, Badawiwas found guiltyof insulting Islamic values,"promoting liberal thought" and "going beyond the realm of obedience" by suggesting on his website that the Saudi kingdom should become more democratic.

Hewas sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes. He also faces a hefty fine.

The flogging was suspended after Badawi received aninitial 50 lashes lastJanuary. Badawi's detention and sentence have stirred up worldwide condemnation.

Badawiis not a Canadian citizen, but his wife and three children were granted political asylum in 2013.

They live in Sherbrooke, Que.