“Freedom is a light that no darkness can extinguish.”
On April 28, 2020, Mubarak Bala, the President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was arrested at his home in Kaduna State. His arrest was based on accusations of blasphemy after he’d posted comments on Facebook critiquing Islam and the Prophet Muhammad. This marked the start of a long and grueling legal and human rights battle that lasted more than four years and highlights the imminent struggle for freedom of expression in Nigeria and beyond.
Bala’s case was far from ordinary. After being arrested without a warrant, he was detained under harsh conditions and denied access to his lawyer for extended periods. He was eventually sentenced to 24 years in prison by a Kano State court in 2022 after being convicted of 18 counts of causing public disturbance. The charges were rooted in the Sharia laws of Kano State, which criminalize blasphemy despite Nigeria’s federal constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech and religion. For four years, Bala endured harsh imprisonment, with his safety jeopardized by conditions that violated international human rights standards, including those outlined in the Mandela Rules, which protect the welfare and security of prisoners. His grievous situation became a symbol of the dangers faced by those who challenge religious doctrine in deeply conservative societies.
THE COLLECTIVE ACTION OF ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE
From the beginning, Bala’s arrest provoked international human rights organizations and humanist groups into action. Humanists International chiefly led a global advocacy campaign for Mubarak Bala’s release by harnessing their resources and engaging international stakeholders. They leveraged their status as the umbrella organization for humanist groups worldwide to turn Bala’s case into a prominent international issue. Their efforts included petitioning and collaborating with United Nations bodies, submitting reports to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and lobbying for action under international human rights frameworks. Additionally, they provided resources and legal support, funding legal teams, and coordinating advocacy efforts to ensure Bala’s rights were protected both in court and in public opinion.
Organizations like the American Humanist Association (AHA) also played a critical role. The AHA informed the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to advocate for Mubarak Bala’s case, pressing the Nigerian government to ensure his fair treatment, unconditional release, and the safety of both him and his family.
The USCIRF, in particular, was instrumental in pressuring Nigerian authorities. They engaged in policy advocacy by urging the U.S. government to address Nigeria’s use of blasphemy laws through diplomatic channels. They issued strong public statements condemning Bala’s imprisonment, framing it as a violation of international standards for religious freedom, and monitored Nigeria’s compliance with international treaties on freedom of thought, belief, and expression.
Local advocacy groups, including the Humanist Association of Nigeria, were equally vital. Despite facing imminent threats, they collaborated with international organizations to continue exerting pressure on Nigerian authorities.
Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) also amplified awareness of Bala’s case in Southeast Asia, demonstrating regional solidarity for humanist principles. Efforts like the HAPI Scholars’ online awareness campaign framed Bala’s case as a universal struggle for free expression that was relevant beyond Nigeria.
The United Nations, as the global authority on human rights, also played a pivotal role in advocating for Bala. Through its Human Rights Council, it received reports and petitions from Humanists International, highlighting Bala’s case as an example of systemic human rights violations. Special rapporteurs on freedom of religion, expression, and arbitrary detention advocated for Bala’s release and raised awareness of his plight. The UN leveraged its influence to encourage Nigeria to align with its international human rights obligations.
TheHumanist.com contributed to the campaign by raising awareness through articles and updates on Bala’s case, reaching audiences unfamiliar with humanist issues. They encouraged action by calling for petitions, donations, and other forms of support for Bala and broader advocacy campaigns. The platform also fostered dialogue by providing a space for discussions on how to combat global restrictions on free expression and belief.
Global Freedom of Expression, an initiative by Columbia University, fueled the cause by researching and advocating for Bala’s case. They documented and analyzed the implications of his case for freedom of expression, particularly in the context of blasphemy laws. The initiative gathered insights on international and regional laws to help activists and lawyers frame their arguments more effectively and highlighted Bala’s imprisonment as part of broader global trends threatening free speech.
THE LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM
Mubarak Bala’s legal battle took a significant turn in May 2024, when the Kano State Court of Appeal reviewed his case. The court reduced his excessive 24-year sentence to five years, acknowledging the extensive nature of the initial punishment. This decision was a beacon of hope for Bala and his supporters.
Finally, on August 19, 2024, after spending 1,574 days in detention, Bala walked free. His release was celebrated as a triumph for humanist and secularist advocacy. However, freedom came with a challenge: Bala now lives in hiding due to threats to his life from groups and individuals who view his release as a bluff to their religious beliefs. Until now, his continued safety remains a pressing concern for the global humanist community.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR FREEDOM AND HUMANISM?
Mubarak Bala’s release is a victory and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression around the world. His case defined the dangers posed by blasphemy laws that are often used as tools for oppression to silence those who oppose religious or cultural norms. As Humanists International’s 2024 Freedom of Thought Report details, dozens of countries still enforce blasphemy laws, with punishments ranging from fines to the death penalty.
For secularists and humanists worldwide, Bala’s freedom is a testament to the power of collective action and international unity. It also highlights the importance of organizations that work tirelessly to defend the rights of an individual facing persecution for their beliefs; an individual who faces threats or violence simply because they hold beliefs that differ from societal or governmental norms. At the same time, it also serves as a wake-up call for the global community to intensify efforts against laws and practices that curtail fundamental freedoms.
