Raif Badawi is a Saudi blogger and human rights defender who was arrested on 17 June 2012 for establishing the online forum “Free Saudi Liberals,” which advocated for secularism and liberal religious practices. In May 2014, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, 1 000 lashes, a fine of 1 million Saudi riyals, and a 10 year ban on travel and media activity following his release. He received the first 50 lashes publicly in January 2015, sparking international condemnation. On 11 March 2022, Badawi was released after completing his prison sentence. However, he remains subject to a 10-year travel ban and is prohibited from using social media, effectively restricting his freedom of expression and preventing him from reuniting with his family in Canada.