The confirmation by the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the verdict condemning the blogger Raif Badawi to 10 years of imprisonment and 1000 lashes concludes the legal process leaving no further avenues for appeal.

Corporal punishment is unacceptable and contrary to human dignity. Since the beginning of legal proceedings against Mr. Badawi, the EU has been voicing its concern to the Saudi authorities. We reiterate our call to Saudi authorities to suspend any further corporal punishment for Mr Badawi.

We will continue to make every effort to engage the Saudi authorities in a dialogue on the need to recognise and respect freedom of speech for all, including those expressing dissenting opinions.