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<p>We are seriously concerned by Raif Badawi’s case. The UK condemns the use of cruel,
inhuman or degrading punishment in all circumstances. The Secretary of State for Foreign
and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge
(Mr Hammond) has raised the matter with the Saudi Ambassador. We have previously raised
the case at a senior level with the Saudi authorities.</p><p>The UK is a strong supporter
of freedom of expression around the world. We believe that people must be allowed
to freely discuss and debate issues, peacefully challenge their governments, exercise
the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and speak out against violations
of human rights wherever they occur.</p><p>In Egypt, our Embassy in Cairo closely
monitors cases where freedom of expression is threatened. I met the Egyptian Deputy
Assistant Minister for Human Rights on 14 January. Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Ministers have been clear throughout recent events in Egypt that the freedom of religious
belief needs to be protected. We deplore all discrimination against religious minorities
and constraints on their freedom to practise what they believe. <br> <br>We believe,
as article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, that everyone has
the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and that this right includes
freedom to change one’s religion or belief. Any action to punish an individual for
their faith or belief is not compatible with article 18.</p>
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