Wow.
Justin Trudeau, MP @JustinTrudeau 7 hours ago
One year ago, #RaifBadawi was sentenced to 10 years in prison + 1,000 lashes by Saudi Arabian gov’t. @pmharper – it’s time to act. #FreeRaifIl y a 1 an, #RaifBadawi était condamné à 10 ans de prison et 1 000 coups de fouet. @pmharper – il est temps d’agir. #libérerRaif
And news from Greystone Books:
Vancouver, BC – Greystone Books announces the acquisition of 1000 Lashes: Because I Say What I Think (World, English language) by imprisoned Saudi Arabian blogger Raif Badawi. The book gathers a selection of Badawi’s pivotal texts, in which he expresses his opinions on life in an autocratic-Islamic state under the Sharia and shares his perception of freedom of expression, human and civil rights, and tolerance. Badawi was imprisoned in 2012 for peacefully expressing his views on his blog.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Badawi’s sentence of 10 years in prison, 1000 lashes, and a fine of roughly $270,000 USD. Throughout the world, Amnesty International and other supporters are staging events and peaceful protests outside Saudi embassies.
Greystone’s publisher Rob Sanders says, “1000 Lashes is a resounding call to everyone who believes in the basic right of free speech. Greystone Books is proud to support Raif Badawi, his family, and people around the world who have taken up this important cause.”
Proceeds from the book will be donated to a non-profit organization in support of the author. Greystone will publish the book in July 2015. To learn more about Raif Badawi and the campaign to secure his release, visit raifbadawi.org.
Also, #FreeRaif in Korea:
Also with MP Dr Amir Khadir:
And Luc Fortin – Député de Sherbrooke:
May I ask why, specifically, you say “wow”? Is it that Trudeau said that? Or is it a more general “wow”?
This really just feeds into Western imperialism, don’t you think?
(belated sarcasm tag)
Considering Trudeau and his party supported the passage of Bill C-51 into law – an act that will allow our government to spy on us and which will make brown-skinned, Muslim-y people suspects – and embraced our racist Prime Minister afterwards, he can fuck off with his support of Badawi.
I mean, I’m saying “Wow” too but it’s at Trudeau’s utter lack of either self-awareness or shame.