Late last month, human rights lawyer and former Liberal MP Irwin Cotler said he feared for Badawi's safety after he started a hunger strike in detention.

The wife of jailed Saudi dissident Raif Badawi said U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence gave her hope Thursday when he called on Saudi Arabia to free her husband.

The Saudi Arabian government’s decision to withdraw its citizens from universities in Canada will affect more than 100 students in the Guelph and Waterloo regions.

Saudi Arabia has suspended an educational exchange program with Canada, according to foreign media reports.

Saudi Arabia has asked Canada's ambassador to leave the country within 24 hours, two days after Canada criticized the arrest of women's rights and human rights activists in the Arab kingdom.

Ensaf Haidar said she was concerned by the rise of Islamist groups looking to force girls and women to wear the burqa and niqab.

Ensaf Haidar said she hopes her new status as a Canadian citizen will help her as she pushes to secure her husband's freedom.

Amnesty International says Canada needs to enhance its reputation as a defender of human rights and do more to free Raif Badawi.

Ensaf Haidar and a few dozen other demonstrators chanted "Stop torture!" and Free Raif!"

Supporters of jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi are starting a foundation in his name to promote freedom of expression.