Humanists UK used its platform at the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council to raise the ongoing imprisonment of Humanist Association of Nigeria President Mubarak Bala for posting allegedly ‘blasphemous’ content on Facebook. Humanists UK urged Nigeria to repeal its blasphemy and apostasy laws, to release those detained under such laws, and to stop Sharia courts from deciding on criminal matters.
The imprisonment of Mubarak Bala
Humanists UK has called for Mubarak Bala’s release since his arrest in 2020. He was subsequently convicted on 18 counts of ‘causing a public disturbance’ under the Kano Penal Code and sentenced to 24 years in prison. His case was marred by procedural irregularities; he was detained without charge for over a year and denied access to his lawyers, family, and medical attention. In May this year, Bala’s sentence was reduced to five years by the Court of Appeal, leaving him with one year left to serve. However, Bala should never have been imprisoned for peacefully expressing his humanist views. Humanists UK continues to call for his release.
Humanists UK at the UN
Humanists UK raised Bala’s case during the Universal Periodic Review of Nigeria. Universal Periodic Review is a process, led by the UN Human Rights Council, by which every state has its human rights record reviewed. As part of this, other states and NGOs are able to make recommendations to improve the human rights situation and monitor the fulfilment of states’ obligations.
Humanists UK Policy and Campaigns Officer Laura Newlyn delivered the intervention via video. She said:
‘Nigeria’s Constitution protects freedom of religion or belief, including the right to change religion or belief. However, these protections are undermined by de facto blasphemy laws under section 204 of the Criminal Code that determines “an act which any class of persons consider as a public insult on their religion” may be imprisoned for up to two years. Further to this, the Constitution allows constituent states to establish their own Sharia courts on civil matters only, yet twelve northern states utilise Sharia criminal codes. These courts can and do implement severe sentences for blasphemy and apostasy, with punishments including execution. This runs counter to this Council’s resolution 36/17 which urges all states that have not yet abolished the death penalty to ensure it is not imposed for specific forms of conduct, including apostasy.
‘We remain concerned about how this overlaps, intersects with, and undermines the right to freedom of expression, which is also guaranteed by the Constitution. Our friend and colleague Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, is currently serving a prison sentence for posting ‘blasphemous’ content on Facebook that was deemed likely to cause a disturbance. The decision of the Court of Appeal in Kano that his sentence be reduced from 24 to five years is a step in the right direction. But Bala should never have been charged in the first place for peacefully expressing his humanist values.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 0203 675 0959
Write to your MP and help us free Mubarak Bala.
Read more about our international work.
Read Humanists International’s Freedom of Thought Report on Nigeria.
Read the Humanists International’s case file on Mubarak Bala.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.