
Christine Ball
Around the world, humanists face severe persecution, often risking their freedom, safety, and
lives to stand for secularism and freedom of expression. The story of Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian humanist and outspoken atheist, highlights the broader challenges faced by those who dare to question deeply entrenched religious and cultural norms in their societies.
Bala's journey is a testament to the resilience of humanists in restrictive environments. In 2014,
his open declaration of atheism in a predominantly religious nation led to his forcible
confinement in a psychiatric institution by his own family. They equated his disbelief with mental illness—a troubling but common response in societies where dissenting from religious
orthodoxy is taboo. Bala endured beatings, sedation, and threats of death before international
pressure secured his release after 18 harrowing days.
Undeterred, Bala became the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, advocating for
reason, science, and secularism in a nation where such ideals often provoke hostility. In 2020,
his activism led to his arrest over social media posts deemed blasphemous against Islam.
Detained under Sharia law, Bala endured over a year without charge, was denied access to
legal representation, and was reportedly subjected to inhumane treatment. In 2022, a court
sentenced him to 24 years in prison after a guilty plea his legal team claimed was made under
duress.
This story is not unique to Nigeria. It is a global issue. Around the globe, humanists and atheists are targeted for their beliefs or lack thereof. In some nations, apostasy and blasphemy are punishable by imprisonment or even death. Those who advocate for secular governance or
challenge religious institutions often face harassment, imprisonment, or worse.
Despite these challenges, the humanist community persists, buoyed by international solidarity
and the efforts of organizations such as Humanists International. Advocates tirelessly work to
support individuals like Bala and to promote universal principles of freedom of thought and
expression.
In Bala's case, relentless advocacy yielded results. His sentence was reduced in 2024, and he
was finally released in January 2025 after nearly four and a half years of imprisonment. Yet
even in freedom, Bala expressed concerns about his safety, underscoring the ongoing risks
faced by humanists in regions hostile to secularism. His story serves as a stark reminder that
the scars of persecution, both physical and psychological, can endure long after the prison
doors have opened.
Bala's story is emblematic of a broader struggle. It reminds the world that the fight for human
rights extends beyond borders, encompassing the fundamental freedoms of belief, thought, and expression. His perseverance inspires humanists worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the courage required to challenge dogma and champion reason in the face of oppression.
As the global community reflects on stories like Bala's, it must also recognize the urgent need to advocate for systemic change. Only through persistent effort can we hope to create a world
where the right to question, believe, or disbelieve is universally respected.
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