PUBLIC FLOGGING OF RAIF BADAWI IN SAUDI ARABIA

Early day motion 720, tabled 21 January 2015 by Ann Clwyd (Labour). Signed by 50 members.

That this House condemns the sentence of public flogging, a fine and a 10 year prison sentence imposed on Raif Badawi in Saudi Arabia for freely expressing his views on the internet; is dismayed that he was given 50 lashes on 9 January 2015 in Jeddah; understands that despite postponement on medical grounds, Saudi authorities intend to carry out further flogging each week until he has received 1,000 lashes; strongly supports his right to freedom of expression; is appalled by the use of corporal punishment in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere; notes with concern Saudi Arabia's practice of holding prisoners of conscience; calls on the UK Government to take stronger action to ensure that this barbaric punishment is stopped immediately; and further calls on it also to work with its international partners to encourage the Saudi authorities to overturn his conviction and ensure his release.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 6, Conservative 3, DUP 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Green 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.