In response to the sentencing of Nigerian Humanist Association President Mubarak Bala, Humanists UK is staging a protest outside the Nigerian High Commission. The protest will take place 16:00-18:00 on Thursday 28 April 2022. The protest, which calls for Bala’s release, will also mark the second anniversary of his arrest.

This month, Bala was sentenced to 24 years in prison for posting ‘blasphemous’ content on Facebook. Procedural irregularities have been evident throughout his case: Bala remained incarcerated without charge for well over a year.

He was denied access to his lawyers and family for an extended period. He has been denied medical attention, Kano State authorities ignored the Abuja High Court’s ruling that he be released on bail. His trial was subject to repeated delays. And the charges against him were duplicated. Not only that, but his case exemplifies the need to abolish blasphemy laws, which intrinsically contravene the right to freedom of religion or belief.

Humanists UK has been calling for Bala’s release since his arrest two years ago. The protest continues this call. Humanists UK is urging the Nigerian Government to: overturn Bala’s sentence repeal all blasphemy laws in Nigeria.

Humanists UK members, supporters and the general public are invited to join the protest at 16:00-18:00 on Thursday 28 April outside the Nigerian High Commission, 9 Northumberland Avenue, near Trafalgar Square, London.

We’ll have signs and placards to hand out when you arrive, stressing our demand that Mubarak’s sentence is overturned and he is freed and brought to safety.

Join the protest and help us #FREEMUBARAKBALA!