The Humanist Association of Ireland welcomes the news that Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, has been freed after spending nearly three years in prison.

Bala was arrested in April 2020 and later sentenced to 24 years in prison for “blasphemy” over social media posts expressing Humanist views. His release marks the end of a prolonged injustice that attracted global attention and solidarity.

Humanist International, along with other advocacy organizations, campaigned tirelessly for Bala’s freedom, highlighting the severe restrictions on freedom of thought and expression in Nigeria.

This is a significant moment for Humanists worldwide, reaffirming the importance of standing up for the right to question, to think freely, and to express one’s beliefs without fear.

We extend our solidarity to Mubarak Bala and the Nigerian Humanist community as they rebuild and continue their vital work.

For more information, see Humanists International