An Appeal for Raif Badawi

Dear [insert official's name here],

I understand that trouble can occur from people insulting and blaspheming the ideas and beliefs of other people. Words can indeed harm others and encourage strife. But history has shown time and time again that suppression is worse overall and hinders the advancement of mankind. Enforced kindness is no kindness at all. Further, displays of anger and extreme torture of the kind that Raif Badawi is sentenced to will merely demonstrate a weak belief that must be strengthened with fear since words alone must not be sufficient. Thus, such acts weaken and cheapen a faith. A person who speaks what is true does not need to be angered when a fool speaks against him. Such a display may instill fear but when people are adequately fearful they will rise up and fight.

There are many of us across the world who are concerned with human rights and we oppose suffering. The sentence given to Raif is considered far too extreme even for a murderer. The most foul criminal may deserve death, but his suffering would gain nothing. In this case, Raif merely spoke an opinion. If he's a fool then let him be a fool. Fighting so harshly against a fool indicates there's something to hide. Making someone silent will raise suspicion and will further anger the world on top of the anger we feel from administering such torture. I ask, and even demand, that you reconsider this decision. The world will not stand for it. We are beyond torture and we seek for the rest of the world to grow beyond it as well. It serves no greater purpose but to defame the person committing the act. I will personally not stand for it and I will support human rights in any way I can and I will encourage others to do the same.

I request that Raif Badawi be released immediately and unconditionally and that you drop any charges against him regarding apostasy, blasphemy, or insulting Islam. Such things are protected by international human rights laws. To carry out the sentence will cause Saudi Arabia to be a lawbreaker as a country in the eyes of the world. I further request that you alter the laws to be compliant in this manner that you protect freedom of religion, belief, and expression. Anything less is unacceptable. Thank you for your time and I hope to see these things change quickly and prior to the administration of any lashes on Raif Badawi.

Sincerely,

A Concerned American.

King and Prime Minister:

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

The Custodian of the two Holy Mosques

Office of His Majesty the King

Royal Court, Riyadh

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Fax: 011 966 1 403 3125

Minister of the Interior:

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Ministry of the Interior

P.O. Box 2933, Airport Road, Riyadh 11134

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Fax: +966 1 403 3125

Minister of Justice:

Sheikh Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Kareem Al-Issa

Ministry of Justice

University Street, Riyadh 11137

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Fax: +966 1 401 1741 | +966 1 402 0311

Ambassador:

His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubeir

Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia

601 New Hampshire Ave. NW Washington DC 20037

Fax: 1 202 944 5983

Email: info--at--saudiembassy.net