Samar Badawi

Authored by Tsvetana Paraskova via Oilprice.com.

The failure of Western allies to rally around Canada in its dispute with Saudi Arabia risks luring the kingdom into a false belief that economic sanctions will shield it from, if not reverse mounting criticism of its human rights record and conduct of the war in Yemen. It also risks convincing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that acting with impunity will not impinge on his efforts to attract badly needed foreign investment.

“Even from prison, you can still light a candle”.
Waleed Abu al-Khair began to practice law in Saudi Arabia in 2007.  He quickly earned an international reputation as one of the most respected human rights lawyers in one of the world’s most repressive countries.  Within a year he joined in a high profile critique of the ruling monarchy.  He repeatedly and openly advocated for democracy.  He controversially defended the human rights of women, dissidents, and prisoners targeted by the authorities.