Together with colleagues from ALQST and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), English PEN will be hosting a vigil at the Saudi Embassy in London.

The vigil marks the ninth anniversary of the arrest of blogger Raif Badawi who, years later, continues to be imprisoned in violation of his right to freedom of expression. We will also be marking the birthday of lawyer and writer Waleed Abulkhair, who continues to serve a fifteen-year prison sentence. Both Badawi and Abulkhair are former winners of our PEN Pinter Prize for an International Writer of Courage.

Please join us.
#FreeRaif #FreeWaleed

Due to the ongoing pandemic, all participants are asked to please:

– Wear a face mask, unless you are exempt
– Observe social distancing (2 metres)
– Use hand sanitiser
– Bring your own posters or placards (if you are able to do so)

Please email [email protected] if you plan to attend.