Saudi blogger flogged 50 times in first of 1,000 lashes

A Saudi blogger convicted of insulting Islam has been flogged 50 times in the Red Sea city of Jeddah as authorities started carrying out his sentence, which includes 1,000 lashes, a witness said.

Raif Badawi was flogged after Friday prayers outside a mosque, the witness said. His feet and hands were bound but his face was visible. He remained silent during the lashings.