19
Apr
2023
Watch
The risk of death penalty and execution of singer Yahaya Sharif Aminu for blasphemy in Nigeria
Madam President, Nigeria has a secular constitution that theoretically protects freedom of religion, but it also has an anti-blasphemy law imposed in colonial times that has not been abolished. In addition, in twelve states in the north of the country, the Shariah, which means that manifesting your religious beliefs can cost you your life. This is the case of musician Sharif Aminu, accused of composing and spreading a supposedly blasphemous song. She is therefore facing the death penalty and her family is being persecuted and harassed. In more than 70 countries around the world, criminal laws are being enforced or new regulations are being attempted to punish blasphemy, apostasy, religious defamation and conversion. And the truth, ladies and gentlemen, is that you don't have to go very far to find these countries: Spain, Italy or Germany are some examples of Member States of the European Union that maintain criminal laws against blasphemy or religious insult. In my country, citizens like Willy Toledo have faced legal proceedings for taking a shit on God and the Virgin. Inquisition in the 21st century. I demand the immediate release of Sharif Aminu and all those accused of crimes related to religion and blasphemy. But I also ask, once again, that we put aside hypocrisy and lead by example by abolishing these kinds of regulations in Europe, because religion can never be above our rights, even when we shit on God.