Saudi Arabia must be made to free Raif

By Labour MEP Miriam Dalli

The European Union is at a very clear-cut crossroads. It finds itself in this place at a very sensitive point in time, because the humanitarian crisis it currently faces, as a result of the higher levels of arrivals from the Middle East and Central Africa, has highlighted a situation where actions and not words are desperately needed – now, more than ever before, is the time when (the right) decisions need to be taken. 

Extremist parties across the EU are using this ongoing humanitarian crisis and serious incidents, such as the terrorist attacks in Paris, to their own advantage. More often than not such parties do this with no concern for the basic values of fundamental human rights, which in my opinion are absolute. 

There is no better time when striking the right balance is of utmost importance. This is the time where the European Union ensures it remains a Union of common values, human rights and reciprocal respect. Any security measures that the European Union takes, need to safeguard fundamental human rights. Going from one extreme to another will only create disruption, confusion and a situation that will never work. 

Both a laissez-faire attitude as well as military-state mentality would be nothing but counterproductive. Such polarity would devalue the very core of what the European Union stands for and could destroy all that previous generations of Europeans have worked for over the years. 

The European Parliament, particularly the Civil Liberties Committee, continually discusses security and migration matters. As a member of this Committee (representing the Socialists and Democrats) I continue to insist that we must strive to be a united Union that ensures the security of its citizens and safeguards human rights for all individuals. 

You might say that this is easier said than done. However, despite political differences, the European Parliament managed to send out a clear message. This message was conveyed when we voted in favour of having a stronger Frontex, the European Union’s Border Agency, which deals with the security of our borders.

As an active representative of the European Parliament I advocate the idea that all EU agencies are bound to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which our Member states are obliged to respect and fulfill. 

We have the opportunity to make full use of these safeguards. As Europeans it is however also our duty to recognise that not all citizens around the world have these same opportunities. This is something that the European Parliament constantly seeks to address. It does this during plenary sessions where a good part of our discussions focus on the issue of breaches of fundamental human rights around the world.

I believe that the EU needs to take this fact into consideration, especially when discussing and formulating its trade policies, its asylum and refugee policies as well as its foreign affairs policy. But to do this it is imperative that human rights are at the forefront of our agenda.

The Sakharov Prize honours individuals and groups of people who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought. It is a reminder of what the European Parliament stands for and what we as European Citizens should aspire to.

I believe that awarding Raif Badawi with the Sakarhov Prize is a defining moment for the European Parliament. As a former journalist myself I was following Badawi’s case with particular interest. I was also one of my political group’s members who avidly supported Badawi’s nomination from the very beginning, leading to the S&D nominating Badawi for the Sakharov prize.

Raif Badawi was sentenced by the Saudi Criminal Court in May 2014 to 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes, followed by a 10-year travel ban, a ban on using media outlets, and a fine of one million Saudi Arabian riyals. His felony: the setting up of the Saudi Arabian Liberals website (which the court ordered to be closed) and the accusation that he had “insulted Islam”. 

On 9 January, Mr Badawi received his first 50 lashes. The European Parliament has been calling for Badawi’s release and it was a huge disappointment that he was not present to receive the award. However, it was certainly a poignant moment when his wife was presented with the award on his behalf.

The message that we as European Parliamentarians want to convey is very clear: incarcerating and punishing someone particularly through torture for having exercised their right to freedom of expression is totally unacceptable. It was not acceptable in the past, it is certainly not acceptable in the present and never will be. 

However, to make a real difference we must continue to put pressure on the powers that be to ensure that Raif Badawi is immediately and unconditionally released. Besides the European Union, other powerful nations are in a position to put pressure on Saudi Arabia, pressure that will hopefully lead to the release of Raif Badawi.

Miriam Dalli is a Labour MEP (S&D Group)