Montrealers celebrate Raif Badawi's birthday

A celebration was held Friday evening in Montreal to mark thebirthday of jailed Saudi bloggerRaifBadawi.

Badawi turned 32.

Several Quebec actors, including Guylaine Tremblay, read Badawi's writings.

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Ensaf Haidar, Badawi's wife who lives in Quebec with their children, was also at the event, which helped raise moneyfortheRaif Badawi Foundation.

Badawi was arrested in 2012 for his criticism of Saudi Arabianclerics. He was convicted in 2014 andsentenced to 10 years in jail and 1,000 lashes.

Thepunishment was suspended last JanuaryafterBadawireceived thefirst50 lashes, but he remainsbehind bars.

His imprisonment has drawn widespread condemnation bothinternationally and in Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stphane Dion conveyed Canada's desire to see clemency granted toBadawi when he met with his Saudi Arabian counterpart in Ottawa in December.