Raif Badawi 'not fit to be flogged', says activist

The case of a Saudi blogger sentenced to 1,000 lashes has been referred to the Supreme Court by the king's office, the BBC has learned.

Blogger Raif Badawi's wife said the referral, made before he was flogged 50 times last Friday, gave him hope that officials would end his punishment.

A second round of lashings was postponed for medical reasons, with human rights activist and family spokeswoman Dr Elham Manea telling the BBC Mr Badawi was not "fit to be flogged".

She also advised caution following news of the referral saying: "It is very important to mention that usually the Supreme Court can or would suggest a renewal of the trial."