Baird expresses concern over blogger flogging with Saudi prince in Davos

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Jan, 2015 12:25 PM

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has raised concerns with a Saudi prince about the flogging sentence handed down to a blogger with family in Quebec.

A government official, speaking on condition they not be named, says Baird raised Canada's concerns about blogger Raif Badawi with Prince Turki Al Faisal, a member of the House of Saud.

Baird raised the case during a bilateral meeting with the prince, one of several he had Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Badawi was sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison for writing on a liberal blog he founded, and fined more than $300,000.

The 32-year-old father of three received the first 50 lashes on Jan. 9, but his second set was postponed last week for medical reasons.

In a previous written statement, Baird condemned the sentence and called for clemency.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada ends gold-medal drought at world juniors with 5-4 win over Russia

TORONTO — Canada's gold-medal drought at the world junior hockey championship is over.

Canada ends gold-medal drought at world juniors with 5-4 win over Russia

Canadian resident still detained in Egypt despite release order, family says

TORONTO — An ailing Canadian resident remains under detention in a hospital in Egypt despite an order given more than a week ago by the country's attorney general for his release, his family said Tuesday.

Canadian resident still detained in Egypt despite release order, family says

White House issues veto threat on Keystone pipeline bill

WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama would veto legislation approving construction of the long-stalled Keystone XL oil pipeline.

White House issues veto threat on Keystone pipeline bill

Feds in court today fighting against long-term expats' right to vote

TORONTO — Ontario's top court begins grappling today with the issue of whether long-term Canadian expats should have the right to vote.

Feds in court today fighting against long-term expats' right to vote

Charges Laid In B.C. Following November Cross-border Drug Bust: RCMP

VANCOUVER — Drug charges have been laid in British Columbia against two men accused of trying to import 29 kilograms of cocaine from the United States.

Charges Laid In B.C. Following November Cross-border Drug Bust: RCMP

Wynne says Harper meeting was positive, but he made no funding commitments

TORONTO — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne received no specific commitments from Prime Minister Stephen Harper at their first face-to-face meeting in more than a year, but being able to meet in person was a step forward, she said.