English PEN is continuing to hold monthly vigils in support of imprisoned writers Raif Badawi, Waleed Abulkhair and Ashraf Fayadh. Please join us to show them they have not been forgotten. This is an ongoing event, please see details here.

English PEN has been holding regular vigils outside the Saudi Embassy in London in support of imprisoned blogger Raif Badawi and his lawyer Waleed Abulkhair since January 2015 when Badawi was first flogged for his peaceful activism.

While Badawi has not been flogged since, he is continuing to serve a ten-year prison sentence, while Abulkhair is serving 15 years in prison for his human rights activism. Furthermore, recent reports suggest that a second round of 50 lashes could be inflicted on him at any time.

PEN is also continuing to call for the immediate release of Palestinian poet and artist Ashraf Fayadh. Originally sentenced to death, Fayadh is now serving 8 years in prison and, like Badawi, continues to have the threat of hundreds of lashes looming over him.

The vigil is co-sponsored by Reporters Without Borders (RSF/RWB)

Please join us on Friday 25 November from 9 – 10am for a peaceful vigil at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in London and help spread the word. Activists are asked to meet at the Curzon Street entrance to the Embassy. (note: the postal address of the Embassy is 30-32 Charles Street, Mayfair, London).

#FreeRaif #FreeWaleed #FreeAshraf