Raif Badawi, the Saudi writer and activist who was recently released after 10 shockingly unjust years in prison is in need of our help once more. In addition to his sentence of 10 years and 1,000 lashes, Raif was also fined 1 million Saudi Riyal for “insulting Islam” – the equivalent of more than $260,000. Today, I write to encourage you to consider donating to the effort to help raise these funds, so the burden of this unwarranted and excessive punishment does not fall on Raif and his young family.

Raif should never have been imprisoned in the first place. His “crime” was nothing more than exercising the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and belief. For this, he has suffered a brutal public flogging. He spent 10 years behind bars and cruelly separated from his family. Now the travel ban prevents them from reuniting in Canada.

We can help ensure that Raif does not also face financial ruin due to the fine, in addition to all these other hardships.

The Lantos Foundation stands in solidarity with Raif Badawi and his family, and we have contributed to the effort to raise the funds needed to pay his fine. We hope you will consider joining us and supporting this courageous man. He has already paid a tremendous price for his commitment to freedom of conscience and belief. Let us make certain he does not have to pay even more.

If you are moved to contribute, you can do so here.