Blogger loses appeal against lashes

A court in Saudi Arabia has upheld the decision to sentence liberal blogger Raif Badawi to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes.

Despite condemnation from governments and human rights charities around the world, Badawi was arrested in 2012, charged and ultimately sentenced for “insulting Islam through electronic channels”.

Speaking from Canada, his wife Ensaf Haidar told news agency AFP, “this is a final decision that is irrevocable.”

In March, the kingdom expressed “surprise and dismay” at international criticism over the punishment. At the time, the foreign ministry said it rejected interference in its internal affairs.

For four years Badawi had been running the Liberal Saudi Network, which encouraged online debate on religious and political issues.

Saudi authorities sent his case for review as global pressure to free Badawi mounted.

Badawi received his first 50 lashes in January, but subsequent floggings have been postponed. A shaky video showed him being lashed by a security officer.