LIVE: Interview with Tirad (son of Raif Badawi)

Disclaimer: the latter part of this conversation has been trimmed. I am honoured to be hosting Tirad, son of Raif Badawi, to discuss his dad’s arrest and detainment in Saudi Arabia. Raif Badawi is a blogger and human rights activist who co-founded the ’Free Saudi Liberals’ website in 2008, where he encouraged debate on religious and political issues in Saudi. He was charged with insulting Islam and was subsequently arrested in 2012. In 2013, Raif was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment and 600 lashes, increasing to 10 years imprisonment, 1000 lashes, a 1 million riyal fine and a 10 year travel and media ban after his release. Though Raif was released from prison in 2022, he remains stuck in Saudi Arabia under an ongoing media and travel ban. Tirad, now living in Europe with his mother and siblings, continues to fight and advocate for his father’s freedom.