Raif Badawi, 31, was expected to serve a 10-year jail sentence, and a fine of £175,000 for offences related to his setting up of an online forum for public debate, as well as accusations he insulted
Islam.
On 9 January, the
Saudi writer was lashed 50 times as the first part of his sentence to be flogged 1,000 lashes over a course of 20 weeks. However, subsequent floggings were postponed due to injuries that he sustained.
Mr Badawi's wife, Ensaf Haider, has told
Channel 4 News that judges in Saudi Arabia's criminal courts are wanting him to undergo a re-trial for apostasy. If found guilty, he would face the death penalty.
In a statement on
Facebook, the family said that they had received information that the case would be referred to the same judge who sentenced Mr Badawi with flogging and 10 years imprisonment. The said: "[The judge's] has twice requested that Raif be charged with 'apostasy'. His request was declined at the time on the ground that the criminal court has no jurisdiction on cases that lead to death penalty.
"However, due to a new regulation issued by the Supreme Judicial Council on 19.09.2014, the penal court has now jurisdiction over major cases, which are punishable by the death penalty, amputation and stoning.
"We have reasons to believe without any doubts that the same judge has again asked the Head of the Court of Apeal to charge Raif with 'Apostasy'.
"We call on the world citizens and governments not to leave Raif dragged by such bigots to death. And we renew our calls to his Majesty King Salman to pardon Raif Badawi and allow him to leave Canada to be united with his family there."
International development minister for the Scottish Government, Humza Yousaf, said that they would continue to monitor the situation:
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http://www.channel4.com/news/raif-badawi-blogger-flogging-saudi-arabia-death-penaltyIsrael is US's top ally because they are the only democracy...Saudi is not a democracy but still an ally?