[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 110 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                DEFENDING FREEDOMS PROJECT: RAIF BADAWI

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, June 17 marks the fourth anniversary of 
the arrest of Saudi Arabian blogger Raif Badawi. He is a prisoner of 
conscience who has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1,000 
lashes for his writings.
  These days, Raif is not doing well. Recently, he resorted to a hunger 
strike to protest his lack of access to medical care, which, 
thankfully, he is receiving now, but his family remains extremely 
concerned for his health.
  During the holy month of Ramadan, King Salman pardoned many 
prisoners. His Majesty should also pardon Raif and Raif's former 
lawyer, Waleed Abulkhair, a human rights advocate who is serving a 15-
year sentence for crimes such as a lack of respect for authorities and 
creating an NGO without permission.
  It is ridiculous. I understand that Saudi Arabia is an ally, Mr. 
Speaker, but the United States must not be silent while these men sit 
in prison. Saudi Arabia will not achieve security or stability by 
repressing peaceful dissent.

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