Ensaf Haidar, the adopted Sherbrooke resident and wife of former Saudi political prisoner Raif Badawi, was on the show Everyone talks about it Sunday to announce the release of the documentary Waiting for Raif. The film will be in cinemas from November 4th, specifically at the Maison du Cinéma de Sherbrooke.

For the past eight years, the two directors Luc Côté and Patricio Henríquez have accompanied Ensaf Haidar in his fight for the release of her husband, who was sentenced by the Saudi monarchy to 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes for publishing political opinions and nuns in her blog had published.

Waiting for Raif presents Ensaf Haidar’s journey, both political and personal. From the beginning of the interview, Ms. Haidar said with a smile: He’s watching us in Saudi Arabia! Hello Raiff!

On the 11th of March Raif Badawi was released from custodybut the name of the documentary, While I waited for Raif remains relevant as he cannot leave Saudi Arabia for the next ten years.

” He got out of the small prison, but he’s still in the big prison. »

Despite everything, Ensaf Haidar remains hopeful of finding her husband, as well as their three children, who grew up in Sherbrooke.

Why Sherbrooke?

Also, regarding the question from the host, Guy A. Lepage, Why Sherbrooke?Ensaf Haidar’s answer is simple. I didn’t vote, but it’s my gift, Sherbrooke. They adopted me very quickly.

Particular reference was made to the hundreds of rallies in Sherbrooke demanding the release of Raif Badawi. In addition, the filmmaker who accompanied her on the set, Patricio Henriquez, recalls that all these mobilizations came from Sherbrooke, a city open to immigrants, which is rare today.