European Parliament condemns Nigerian blasphemy laws
The European Parliament has taken a stand in favor of singer Yahaya Aminu Sharif, convicted of blasphemy in Nigeria, under threat of capital punishment and execution.
On April 20, the European Parliament passed a resolution relating to the singer Yahaya Aminu Sharif, convicted of blasphemy in Nigeria, under threat of capital punishment and execution.
Accused of blasphemy following the posting of a song on social media, Muslim singer Yahaya Aminu Sharif was tried, without assistance, by a higher sharia court in Kano State. He was sentenced to death by hanging.
While his case will be heard by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the European Parliament recalls that "blasphemy laws clearly violate international human rights obligations, in particular the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and politicians, Editor's note), and are contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and freedom of expression".
He asks the Nigerian authorities for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as the dropping of the charges against him and the right to a fair trial. The European Parliament also denounces the fact that "many other people have been the victims of Nigeria's blasphemy laws; that the student Deborah Yakubu was stoned and beaten to death in 2022; that Rhoda Jatau was attacked by a mob and her trial is ongoing without her being entitled to bail; that the humanist Mubarak Bala was sentenced to 24 years in prison".
During the debate, Bert-Jan Ruissen, MEP (ECR) recalled that "the mere existence of blasphemy laws stimulates serious violence against those accused of blasphemy, very often before the police forces and judicial systems can even intervene".
MC
