Raif Badawi's wife accepts prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights

TheQuebecwife ofimprisonedSaudi bloggerRaif Badawireceived a standing ovation at the European Parliament assembly today as sheaccepted a prestigioushuman rights award on his behalf.

EnsafHaidar, who claimed refugee status in Quebec andlives with theirthree children in theEastern Townships, acceptedthe European Union'sprestigiousSakharovPrize at a ceremony in Strasbourg, Francetoday.

"Raif Badawi was brave enough to raise his voice and say no to their barbarity. That is why they flogged him," Haidar she said in a speech, cited by the European Parliament's news service.

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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.

Thepunishment was suspended afterBadawireceived thefirst50 lashes inJanuary but he has remained behind bars.

Hunger strike launched, wife says

Last week, Haidar saidBadawi hadbegun a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment.

Haidarhas also called onPrime Minister Justin Trudeau to put more pressure on the Saudi government.

In June, the Quebec government granted Badawi aselectioncertificate, a first step meant to speed up hisimmigration process should he be released from prison.

Badawi was one of three nominees for the SakharovPrize this year, along withthe Venezuelan opposition movement Mesa de la Unidad Democratica andassassinated Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov.

Badawi cited as inspiration

European ParliamentPresident MartinSchulzsaidBadawi has become"a symbol and an inspiration for all those fighting for fundamental rights in the region and beyond."

"Despite great risk, as a blogger he has bravely endeavoured to foster free thought and exercised his right to freedom of expression filling a vacuum left by the lack of a free press in his country," he said.

The freedom of thought award is named after the Soviet scientist anddissidentAndreiSakharov.

It was set up in 1988 to honour people andorganizations who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.