EU Sakharov Prize: Raif Badawi's wife accepts prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights

Mrs. Badawi in Strasbourg

The Quebec wife of imprisoned Saudi blogger Raif Badawi received a standing ovation at the European Parliament assembly today as she accepted a prestigious human rights award on his behalf.

Ensaf Haidar, who claimed refugee status in Quebec and lives with their three children in the Eastern Townships, accepted the European Union's prestigious Sakharov Prize at a ceremony in Strasbourg, France today.

"Raif Badawi was brave enough to raise his voice and say no to their barbarity. That is why they flogged him," Haidar she said in a speech, cited by the European Parliament's news service.

Read more: Raif Badawi's wife accepts prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights - Montreal - CBC News