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New BBC documentary highlights Mubarak Bala and the challenges atheists face in Nigeria

  • post Type / Campaigns
  • Date / 8 November 2022

A new documentary released this week by BBC Africa has highlighted the challenges faced by humanists and atheists in Nigeria.

BBC journalist, Yemisi Adegoke, follows Mubarak Bala’s case in particular, documenting the run-up to his sentencing in April 2022.  She also speaks to other atheists in Nigeria who are open about their beliefs, including Leo Igwe, founding member of the Humanist Association of Nigeria and board member of Humanists International, who has spearheaded the campaign for Mubarak’s release since he was first arrested in April 2020.

Background

Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, is currently serving a 24-year prison sentence, in connection with a series of Facebook posts that some deemed to be ‘blasphemous’ and ‘likely to cause a public disturbance’. The release of the documentary marks more than 30 months now since Mubarak was separated from his wife and baby son. You can help with the efforts to overturn his unjust conviction by donating to his legal appeal on JustGiving here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/free-mubarak-bala

In addition to the ongoing legal appeal, Humanists International has continued its campaigning and advocacy efforts to support Mubarak’s case. In September, our Advocacy team attended the 51st session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, where Leo Igwe helped the team to deliver an update urging Nigeria to overturn his unjust and disproportionate conviction. You can read more about that and watch Leo’s statement here.

#FreeMubarakBala

Please show your solidarity and support by donating to Mubarak's legal appeal today. With your support, we will continue to campaign for Mubarak's sentence to be overturned, and to ensure his safe release.

(You will be taken to our dedicated appeal page on JustGiving)

Donate now
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