Happy Atheist Forum

Community => Life As An Atheist => Topic started by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 07:03:25 AM

Title: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 07:03:25 AM
IAA Advisory Board Member Arrested For Blasphemy - Call To Action (https://www.internationalatheists.org/post/iaa-advisory-board-member-arrested-for-blasphemy-call-to-action)

The IAA member in question is Mubarak Bala, I have known him on Facebook for years. He is an brave and exceptional campaigner for freedom from religion. He is now in prison in Nigeria on charges of blasphemy. If you value your freedom of speech, be you atheist or theist, you need to speak out now.

This is not the first time Mubarak Bala has been incarcerated. He was put in a mental hospital for being an atheist. He needs our help.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/5002/PH81Ie.jpg)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real.
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 07:52:17 AM
Nigerian Police Arrest Humanist Leader Mubarak Bala for Alleged "Blasphemy" (https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2020/04/28/nigerian-police-arrest-humanist-leader-mubarak-bala-for-alleged-blasphemy/)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real.
Post by: Asmodean on April 29, 2020, 09:15:24 AM
From what I understand, they are still into witch-burning over there.

I doubt us getting righteously outraged about it from the safety of our own First World will accomplish anything at all. A legal defence fund... Yes, maybe. Still, one wonders what kind of legal system a country still "into" magic and witches possesses.

I'm not averse to helping out, but the only real way I see of doing so is monetarily, and the call for donations reads like a used car lot commercial. "Go straight to the donation page here: Donate now" "This is your chance to make a difference!"

Yeah... No. No, I will not go straight to the donation page. How do you intend to spend my money, precisely? Have you an attorney with a plan? No? Then what are the chances of a successful legal defence in a country where blasphemy laws make this case legally legitimate? Whether or not the defence itself is successful, what are the chances of using this case to enact measurable changes to law/government policy? To raise public support/awareness in the country in question? Is there a plan towards those ends? How will I be "making a difference?"

I wish the guy and all involved in trying to free him the very best of luck, but don't ask me for money even before you know how to spend it.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 09:19:34 AM
I have contributed. If you were in prison I would do what I could to help you.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on April 29, 2020, 09:42:39 AM
Thank you.

Still, I think it's worth clarifying that I am not saying that I'm unwilling to help, but that in order for me to do so, the organizers have to do a little homework first.

I supported Dankula's defence fund - but not before he came out with the very sort of details I requested here. (and his plan for any remaining money, although that would not have been a deal-breaker to me regardless) I supported Sargon in his defence against a fraudulent copyright claim, but would not have, had he not justified the need (He already had legal counsel and was well into the case) I would support Mr. Bala too, if the fund was better justified. (As in, how is this helping?) When it is, pitch the case to me again and I shall donate the same to him as I did to the abovementioned two.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 09:45:51 AM
I'll keep this thread running.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on April 29, 2020, 09:50:57 AM
Yes. Do. This is certainly worth following. When they have engaged an attorney and come up with some sort of a battle plan, I shall pitch the donation link to a few people I know who may find the cause worthy.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 10:00:10 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on April 29, 2020, 09:50:57 AM
Yes. Do. This is certainly worth following. When they have engaged an attorney and come up with some sort of a battle plan, I shall pitch the donation link to a few people I know who may find the cause worthy.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 10:03:08 AM
From the gofundme page.

"Six years ago, our co-founder, Courtney Heard, helped launch the #FreeMubarak social media campaign after her friend, Mubarak Bala, had been committed to a psychiatric hospital for being an atheist. After getting the attention of major news outlets like the BBC, The Guardian, The AP and Vice, Mubarak was finally freed. In the time since, he has become a prolific humanist activist in Nigeria, helping the secular movement grow there.

This morning, we got word that Mubarak has been arrested in Nigeria and this time, he's in custody in prison for blasphemy.

We reached out to Mubarak's colleague at the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Leo Igwe and he has informed us that they are looking for a lawyer tomorrow.

Understand that this is personal for us. Mubarak is a valued member of our advisory board. He's also a colleague and friend. This person takes compassion and selflessness to another level. When he was freed from the psychiatric ward back in 2014, we launched a second campaign to bring him to North America, where he would be safe from this sort of thing. He opted out of that, knowing that his activism was needed more in Nigeria. He stayed, despite the willingness of many people to fight for him to come here, and despite the danger he faced, because he knew someone had to do something to change the atmosphere in Nigeria.

Mubarak Bala must be freed. We need to get him a capable lawyer and we need your help to do that. Even just a dollar will help pay for Mubarak's legal representation in Nigeria. Please donate and if you can't donate, please share this everywhere. We cannot and will not stand by while one of our own is arrested for simply not believing in a god.

This is your chance to make a difference. Let's do this. Let's #FreeMubarakBala"
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on April 29, 2020, 10:15:11 AM
That bold part, by the way, is the reason why I was all snarky about

Quote from: The AsmoHave you an attorney with a plan? No? Then what are the chances of a successful legal defence in a country where blasphemy laws make this case legally legitimate?

When the attorney at the very least expresses an interest in taking this case, the defence fund will suddenly become a LOT more appealing - not just to me, but also to the people I can pitch it to, one of whom is in cutthroat enough finance to laugh at anything less-than-concrete looking for funding.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 29, 2020, 07:12:26 PM
The Nigerian Freethought Movement's statement on the arrest of Mr. Mubarak Bala (http://www.opinionnigeria.com/the-nigerian-freethought-movements-statement-on-the-arrest-of-mr-mubarak-bala/)

Quote

    • We condemn the arrest of Mr Mubarak Bala
    • We condemn the attack on free speech perpetrated by religious fanatics
    • We demand his immediate and unconditional release
    • We demand that security operatives investigate and take proper action on the death threats against Mr Bala Mubarak.

    The Nigerian freethought movement condemns in strongest terms the arrest of Mr Bala Mubarak by men of the Nigerian police force. Mr Bala Mubarak who is the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria (HAN) was yesterday whisked away by operatives of the Nigerian police force yesterday in Kaduna on allegations of blasphemy. It is condemnable that in a 21st century secular country people are still arrested for such ridiculous charges. The constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria affirms that the Nigerian state is a secular one hence, the freedom of religious view and thought.


    It is sad that the Nigerian police force has bowed to pressures from forces of religious fanaticism by arresting Mr Mubarak, hence, giving a tactic support to those who intend to bring back our society to a 7th century-styled barbarism. It should be remembered that in the past decade, northern Nigeria has been ravaged by terrorist attacks perpetrated by different religious extremist groups most notably, the Boko Haram, it is therefore sad that at a moment when all hands should be on deck to embark on a massive deradicalisation of northern Nigeria to prevent further extremism inflicted terror attacks, the apparatus of the state are being used to give approval to extremist forces and their demand. This in itself is despicable.


    It is said that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands; everyday the irreligious community in Nigeria and those who do not identify with any of the 2 most populous religions in Nigeria are subject to name-calling by different religious groups and preachers, deriding and threatening us at every opportunity from public transport to radio and television programmes, this however we believe is normal as critique of ideas is one of the major prequesite needed for a progressive society. This obviously was the thinking of the drafters of the constitution in providing for freedom of thought. It is unfortunate however, that the freedom of thought has become a luxury afforded to only members of popular faiths. It is on this premise that The Nigerian Freethought Movement condemns in strong terms the arrest of Mr. Mubarak as this is a violation of his human right.


    We therefore demand his immediate and unconditional release. We have also read many death threats issued against him by extremists and we demand that security operatives investigate this to safeguard his life from the whims and caprices of religious extremists.
    Finally, we demand an end to all form of blasphemy laws as this laws are product of a stage of primitive barbarism and they have no place in the modern society. We also demand the safety and protection of the rights of all religious minorities.

    Signed:
    Bright Ogundare
    Convener.

Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Recusant on April 30, 2020, 06:10:48 AM
Could be considered an advance over being murdered in the street with machetes, as is fashionable elsewhere.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 30, 2020, 08:13:40 AM
Quote from: Recusant on April 30, 2020, 06:10:48 AM
Could be considered an advance over being murdered in the street with machetes, as is fashionable elsewhere.

Hmmm. At least that could be quicker. But you're probably right.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 30, 2020, 08:14:00 AM
Day 2.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 30, 2020, 08:32:14 AM
Mubarak Bala: Death Threats, Blasphemy and Police Investigation in Kano -By Leo Igwe (https://www.opinionnigeria.com/mubarak-bala-death-threats-blasphemy-and-police-investigation-in-kano-by-leo-igwe)

QuoteTwo days ago, the police arrested Mubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, in Kaduna. Detectives from the Kano State Police Command went to his residence, arrested and later detained him at Gbabasawa police station. According to local sources, the police were planning to transfer him to Kano where some lawyers had lodged a petition against him. They accused him of insulting the prophet Muhammad. The police should not take Mubarak to Kano due to the following reasons.

First of all, the police will be putting Mubarak's life at risk if they do so. The police know this. And the concern has been registered with the Force headquarters in Abuja, the AIG at the zonal headquarters, and the commissioner of police in charge of the state command. Before his arrest, Mubarak received several death threats from Muslims in Kano who were angry with his posts and writings. They threatened to kill him if they could find him. According to Mubarak, one of those who made the threats was a police officer in Kano. So are the police taking him to Kano to be tried or to be killed?
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 30, 2020, 12:24:54 PM
I'm becoming quite popular :)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/4802/uEuNEj.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/5922/bs7li6.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2021/IMXGP0.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/2980/tSswhk.jpg)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on April 30, 2020, 12:57:18 PM
*Sigh* I miss messing with the rabidly-religious on Facebook :(

Did they succeed in getting legal counsel? Do you know?
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 30, 2020, 01:05:03 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on April 30, 2020, 12:57:18 PM
*Sigh* I miss messing with the rabidly-religious on Facebook :(

Did they succeed in getting legal counsel? Do you know?

Don't know yet.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 01, 2020, 07:36:08 AM
QuoteDay 3 of the Shame of Kano

Mubarak Bala
#FreeMubarakBala
#ShameOfKano

Mubarak Bala remains in prison in Kano state, Nigeria on charges of blasphemy.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 01, 2020, 08:06:45 PM
Death Penalty Seems Inevitable (https://www.internationalatheists.org/post/update-on-mubarak-s-case-death-penalty-seems-inevitable-we-must-fight)

Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Magdalena on May 01, 2020, 10:35:31 PM
This whole thing sounds so intense. The whole thing is just wrong. "You insulted my imaginary friend so now you go to jail, you will be tortured, threatened, and maybe killed...Because no one messes with my imaginary friend!?"

~That's just wrong, man. How much more delusional can one get?

But that's just my opinion.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 02, 2020, 05:17:22 PM
I couldn't agree more. The behaviour of the Muslims on FB is truly appalling.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 03, 2020, 07:59:39 AM
QuoteDay 5 of the Shame of Kano

The police abduction of Mubarak Bala continues. I say abduction rather than arrest because he is being held incommunicado and denied legal representation. That is illegal under Nigerian law. Thus this is an officially sanctioned abduction not arrest.

Mubarak Bala
#freemubarkbala
#ShameOfKano
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 04, 2020, 12:35:16 AM
3rd May 2020

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/7079/kUguXu.jpg)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 05, 2020, 08:19:16 AM
7 days. A week has passed and no sign of Mubarak Bala. He has been denied access to his legal team. If Islam had it's way he could be any one of us. He could be all of us. Religion poisons everything.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on May 05, 2020, 12:14:34 PM
Well, this is certainly circling the drain in a hurry.

Are there plausible avenues for getting something tangible done about this situation? It wouldn't surprise me if the honest answer at this point is, "not really."
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on May 05, 2020, 02:19:48 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on May 05, 2020, 12:14:34 PM
Well, this is certainly circling the drain in a hurry.

Are there plausible avenues for getting something tangible done about this situation? It wouldn't surprise me if the honest answer at this point is, "not really."

Military action, or a police raid?  Maybe a privately financed group of commandos could make an Entebbe-type raid.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on May 05, 2020, 03:50:29 PM
Well, yes. I sort-of meant "short of deploying mercs or starting a war"  ;)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on May 05, 2020, 09:04:28 PM
Unfortunately, there are times when violence is the only option that works.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Anne D. on May 06, 2020, 04:56:53 AM
Thanks for posting this, Tank. Donated and signed the petition. Yeah, the legal reps may not be able to help and the petition may fall on deaf ears, but it's worth trying.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 06, 2020, 07:15:19 AM
Quote from: Anne D. on May 06, 2020, 04:56:53 AM
Thanks for posting this, Tank. Donated and signed the petition. Yeah, the legal reps may not be able to help and the petition may fall on deaf ears, but it's worth trying.

Thank you!
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 06, 2020, 07:17:22 AM
Day 8

Well he's still in lock up with access to his legal team.

I'm getting all sorts of shit on Facebook for supporting him.  :rofl:
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 10, 2020, 06:45:04 AM
QuoteIt is now 12 days since Mubarak Bala the ex-Muslim atheist was abducted by Nigerian police and sent to Kano state, a predominately Muslim area in Northern Nigeria.

He is being held incommunicado with no access to his legal representative. There are reports/rumours that he is being mistreated.

With the world worried about the Coronavirus pandemic the fate of one person seem trivial. But it isn't because this isn't a mindless virus that bears humans no malice. This is cold hard calculated terrorism.

Islam is often attempts to portray itself as the 'Religion of Peace'. Yet so far I have only seen two Muslims stand up for Mubarak Bala. Just two. I have seen death threats on Facebook against him, but no Muslims stand against these threats.

Silence is tacit agreement.

Speak out, unless you want this to happen to you, your family, your friends, your children or grand children. And if you are a Muslim and think you are safe consider this; what flavour of Muslim are you? Because if you're the wrong flavour the terrorists will come for you to.

Injustice for one is injustice for all.

#FreeMubarakBala

#FreeMubarakBalaNow

#ShameOfKano
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on May 10, 2020, 05:21:11 PM
Quote from: Tank on May 10, 2020, 06:45:04 AM
Silence is tacit agreement.

***

Injustice for one is injustice for all.
*This is something of a useless tangent, so... Little to do with the actual case, all to do with my by-now-deep distaste for the way the mouth-piece person is calling to action.

No, silence is just the absense of sound. That said, what are "we," religious? Or Communists? (Amounts to the same thing, really)

There is no absolute justice, so justice to one (Nigerian Sharia-crowd, for instance) may well be injustice to another (The vast majority of people from liberal and/or secular places)

Is your sense of justice in this more valid to me than the Sharia-crowd's? Certainly. Does that fact make us some sort of "we," with a broadly-shared sense of justice? No. How so, you ask? Then tell me, what is my stance on capital punishment? Laws prohibiting Holocaust denial? Laws regarding gay marriage?
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Recusant on May 10, 2020, 09:04:48 PM
Opposition to blasphemy laws and their selective enforcement may be a sufficient unifying principle. No need to go beyond that, in this instance.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 11, 2020, 06:40:02 AM
QuoteDay 13 of the Shame of Kano

Mubarak Bala remains in prison and is still being refused legal representation. No charges have been laid. This is not an arrest it is an abduction. An absolute disgrace. This shows how dangerous religious thinking is.

He will not be forgotten. Almost two weeks held in jail and he still has not seen his legal representative. This shows the respect for the law in Kano state. Despicable.

#FreeMubarakBala
#FreeMubarakBalaNow
#ShameOfKano
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 11, 2020, 06:56:06 AM
Sent to Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, Governor of Kano state

QuoteGood Morning

Mubarak Bala, a citizen of Kano state, has been abducted and is being held without legal representation in Kano state. I say abducted because no charges have been laid and he is being held incommunicado. He will not be forgotten. What are you doing about this situation in your jurisdiction?

Regards
Chris Jarvis
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on May 11, 2020, 07:36:49 AM
Quote from: Recusant on May 10, 2020, 09:04:48 PM
Opposition to blasphemy laws and their selective enforcement may be a sufficient unifying principle. No need to go beyond that, in this instance.
Those, I do oppose, as I do any speech-limiting law (And by speech, I mean first-person expression of an opinion or a point of view, and the manner of said expression. Not that any-one here is likely to interpret my words too widely, but The Internet is dark and full of terrors, and I've... Been there. OCD-ridden Discord debates on "Is kiddie porn free speech..." Creepy does not begin to describe them)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 12, 2020, 04:53:02 AM
QuoteDay 14 of the Shame of Kano

Mubarak Bala remains in prison and is still being refused legal representation. No charges have been laid. This is not an arrest it is an abduction. An absolute disgrace. This shows how dangerous religious thinking is.

Two weeks have passed and still not a word. Shame on you Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR for presiding over this travesty. The world is watching you. The world is judging you.

#FreeMubarakBala

#FreeMubarakBalaNow

#ShameOfKano
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 13, 2020, 08:45:42 AM
Mubarak Bala Detention: 14-Day Update (https://www.atheistalliance.org/campaigns/mubarak-bala-detention-14-day-update)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on May 13, 2020, 08:55:21 AM
At least some on the international scene are responding. Will Nigerian authorities listen? I doubt it, but that is something.

Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 16, 2020, 09:24:12 AM
These Muslim rage boys really don't like me :)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/120/sXr0TS.jpg)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 16, 2020, 09:28:36 AM
Looks like he blocked me

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img922/74/FnEULW.jpg)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 16, 2020, 09:50:11 AM
No. Facebook had a melt down.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on May 18, 2020, 07:55:43 AM
Getting too woke for Facebook, T? Take a lesson from The Gray Tome; VPN + burner accounts = unbannable.  ;D
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on May 30, 2020, 11:57:57 AM
Benue Humanist (https://www.facebook.com/dooyum.ingye) wrote this on Facebook today:-

QuoteThis for all atheists and theists who say, Mubarak Bala should rot in jail because he was warned.

You don't know what is at stake so, let me assume the mundane task of telling you. Not for once, should you think that this is about Mubarak Bala, and there, it stops. The continuous protest you see online is part of a historical resistance against the imposition of Islamic hegemony on non Muslims in Nigeria, the suppression of their human rights, disregard of their faith and lives, and the profiling of irreligious persons for execution in modern Nigeria.

If you have read the religious books of Islam, the works of Muslims clerics, and followed the behaviour of most Muslims towards non Muslims, you will know that there is every need to draw a bold line, a line which indicates the right of non Muslims to be religious or irreligious, a line which reinforces the right of others to criticize certain aspects of any belief system which disregards human life, promotes violence and division, and discourages the application of science in solving societal problems.

Mubarak might be at the center of it now however, the issue goes beyond him. There is every need to logically dispel the inherent belief of every Muslim that, by virtue of the shahadah they swore, they are automatically first class humans, a false feeling which gives them a false right to act arbitrary against non Muslims.

I spent six years in the core northern part of Nigeria, and within this period as a student, I witnessed direct and subtle arbitrary behaviour from most Muslims. Sometimes, my greetings were ignored simply because there came in English, or from a non believer. Right in the class, severally, I listened with no sense of annoyance but surprise, how the Quran is a perfect book of the one true religion, Islam. I listened, in a particular class on the critical discourse analysis of political speeches, where those of prophet were adopted as example to highlight the purpose behind his classification of the Muslim community, and those of the kafr. Beneath that classification, the earthly and heavenly benefits of killing unbelievers were clearly fished out without a rethink of the effects it will have on the only two non Muslims in the class; myself and one other Christian from Kaduna.

There are uncountable times when I was told to convert to Islam in order to complete what was called my 'fine gentleness' which only Muslims possessed. This was done, not minding that, at that time, I was still a Christian. If had said the same thing to any Muslim, it might have gotten me beaten up or vilified. Towards the end of my studies, I began an atheist, in addition to another one, a Marxist from Tanzania. The hate and obvious disrespect melted out to the old lecturer, more knowledgeable than any professor from the faculty, was shocking. The fact that he spent all his monthly salary on their needs was never considered. For expressing different views, we were called mad men.

Mubarak appears a replica of the Marxist; daring and humane. Just like the Marxist, he advocates for Islamic reforms, the application of science to societal problems and rebuttal of Islamic fables. This is what they hate, and you think he deserves to rot in jail or die for speaking out against a bloody thirsty religion? Some of you have never visited the North, that is why, you sit in your comfort zones down south being unreasonably discordant. The North needs help. The North is sick. She needs urgent attention, and the likes of Mubarak presents that solution.

This is why, we need to speak against the ills there, inspired by religion. We need to speak against a society that sees other non Muslims as, to borrow from a lecturer from my alma mater, chickens reared for one purpose-death. We need to instill it in every bigoted Muslim that being a Muslim doesn't make them special, or gives them the right to intimidate others. They must understand that people have the right to expression, and that right implies, to offend and tell uncomfortable truth.

At least two of our members are also his friend on Facebook.

Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on June 04, 2020, 03:27:47 PM
Nigeria: Activist arrested and detained: Mubarak Bala  (https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr44/2272/2020/en/?fbclid=IwAR0TQcIIyKf69azUhEfNK9vAe02-VPLuAyz8ei308MuOor2h7H63mbThsQM)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Randy on June 04, 2020, 09:58:27 PM
Tank replies 45 and 46 are heartfelt. I fear for the man but more importantly, the plight he fights for. And to think some people in our country (USA) would like nothing better than this as long as it is their ideology in focus.

Keep us posted.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on June 05, 2020, 09:31:54 AM
Quote from: Randy on June 04, 2020, 09:58:27 PM
Tank replies 45 and 46 are heartfelt. I fear for the man but more importantly, the plight he fights for. And to think some people in our country (USA) would like nothing better than this as long as it is their ideology in focus.

Keep us posted.

I will. But there is still no word. He has a two month old son, his first child, and his wife is in a terrible state.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on June 05, 2020, 10:57:52 AM
If you'll forgive me some cynical ramblings, which I am unlikely to follow up because... No time. Still, I think this is important to think about;

I'm not surprised by the lack of news. I think I've said this before, but it's worth re-stating. "Us" getting vocally outraged about this, or any such case in "them" parts of the world, will not help. This does not mean, however, that "we" should not be vocal about it - as long as our goals and expectations are within the realms of realism.

Those who have power and influence will use it in a way most conducive to maintaining it, often at the expense of those without. Those with power and influence who agree with our side in this case, in parts of the world which do not, will therefore keep their heads down. And in the rare cases where they do make a noise, those are the places where a snowflake (If you'll pardon the culturally-laden expression - in this case, it is not) will not start an avalanche. Still, building a strong base of support and influence is how radical reforms get "done right," and by the time of policy-implementation, they are no longer radical at all. It will take decades. It will cost lives. It's that, or a "war" (With or without quotation marks, to draw a parallel to the current state of affairs over in the USA) which can probably not be won.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on July 11, 2020, 08:30:38 PM
He's still being held illegally. Today (11th July 2020) is his 36th birthday.

Latest news (https://www.atheistalliance.org/campaigns/happy-birthday-my-brother-mubarak-bala/)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on July 22, 2020, 03:53:08 PM
It is new 84 days since the abduction of Mubarak Bala. His whereabouts is still unknown. He continues to receive death threats. He has not yet seen his lawyers. He has not seen his wife nor baby son.

Mubarak Bala: Putting His Accuser To The Test  (https://www.atheistalliance.org/campaigns/mubarak-bala-putting-his-accuser-to-the-test/)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on July 24, 2020, 09:54:29 PM
UN experts call for urgent release of Nigerian humanist Mubarak Bala (https://humanism.org.uk/2020/07/24/un-experts-call-for-urgent-release-of-nigerian-humanist-mubarak-bala/)
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on August 22, 2020, 09:04:49 AM
Well I'm in Facebook Jail for today as apparently trying to save someone's life is 'Spamming'. I'l just have to be a little more creative from tomorrow.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on August 25, 2020, 10:59:40 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 22, 2020, 09:04:49 AM
Well I'm in Facebook Jail for today as apparently trying to save someone's life is 'Spamming'. I'l just have to be a little more creative from tomorrow.

How did they come to that conclusion?  Trump spams all day long on Twitter and never suffers the consequences.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on August 25, 2020, 11:06:05 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on August 25, 2020, 10:59:40 PM
Quote from: Tank on August 22, 2020, 09:04:49 AM
Well I'm in Facebook Jail for today as apparently trying to save someone's life is 'Spamming'. I'l just have to be a little more creative from tomorrow.

How did they come to that conclusion?  Trump spams all day long on Twitter and never suffers the consequences.

I have been sharing a daily post quite widely which may have triggered something. I also PM the Kano state governor with the same post so he may have reported me as a spammer. I also share the post to his page daily.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on August 26, 2020, 08:30:55 PM
But Facebook should know better. Sometimes Zucker pisses me off.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on October 02, 2020, 08:23:36 AM
Has Mubarak Bala Been Killed? -By Leo Igwe (https://www.opinionnigeria.com/has-mubarak-bala-been-killed-by-leo-igwe/)

No confirmation at this point.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on October 02, 2020, 07:58:06 PM
Fortunately reports of his death were an error.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Recusant on October 03, 2020, 01:33:32 AM
The scenario described in the piece still looms though, I expect.  :sadnod:
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on October 03, 2020, 07:46:24 AM
Well yes that is true.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on December 02, 2020, 02:05:30 PM
It's 218 days now. And he's still in detention. But he has spoken to his wife on the phone so we know he's still alive.

But this has just happened US university appoints Kano governor, Ganduje, visiting professor (https://platinumpost.ng/2020/12/01/us-university-appoints-kano-governor-ganduje-visiting-professor/)

This is the arsehole ultimately responsible for the abduction of Mubarak Bala  >:(
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: xSilverPhinx on December 02, 2020, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: Tank on December 02, 2020, 02:05:30 PM
It's 218 days now. And he's still in detention. But he has spoken to his wife on the phone so we know he's still alive.

But this has just happened US university appoints Kano governor, Ganduje, visiting professor (https://platinumpost.ng/2020/12/01/us-university-appoints-kano-governor-ganduje-visiting-professor/)

This is the arsehole ultimately responsible for the abduction of Mubarak Bala  >:(

:wtf:
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on December 02, 2020, 08:12:17 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on December 02, 2020, 08:08:32 PM
Quote from: Tank on December 02, 2020, 02:05:30 PM
It's 218 days now. And he's still in detention. But he has spoken to his wife on the phone so we know he's still alive.

But this has just happened US university appoints Kano governor, Ganduje, visiting professor (https://platinumpost.ng/2020/12/01/us-university-appoints-kano-governor-ganduje-visiting-professor/)

This is the arsehole ultimately responsible for the abduction of Mubarak Bala  >:(

:wtf:

Exactly.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Recusant on December 02, 2020, 08:16:40 PM
It's good to hear that Mubarak Bala still survives.

A public university in North Carolina. Not that surprising these days--government suppression of atheism is hardly a big concern in that part of the world--they're more likely to be worried about "religious freedom."
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on December 21, 2020, 11:56:18 AM
Today, 21st Dec 2020, the Federal High Court in Abuja Nigeria issued a court order for the immediate release of Mubarak Bala and issued a compensation order against the Kano police for his false imprisonment. There is no news of his actual release at this moment.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on December 21, 2020, 05:19:31 PM
That's good news.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on December 21, 2020, 05:23:14 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on December 21, 2020, 05:19:31 PM
That's good news.

Yes it is. Still no word of his actual release. But they will probably move him to a safer place before release. There are thousands of Muslims that have stated they will kill him if they get the chance.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 08, 2021, 08:44:57 AM
On the 28th of April 2021 Mubarak Bala will have been in prison for a year. Just saying in case anybody was interested.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Recusant on April 08, 2021, 09:17:57 AM
Damn
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 08, 2021, 11:32:18 AM
These are the people holding Mubarak Bala.

Kano State Police (https://www.facebook.com/Kano-Police-Activities-103774764491138/)

If you have a Facebook profile and wish to put pressure on them to release him this is one place to do it.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Magdalena on April 08, 2021, 09:17:35 PM
I admire your dedication, Chris.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 08, 2021, 09:21:21 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on April 08, 2021, 09:17:35 PM
I admire your dedication, Chris.

Thank you. My wife would call it pig headed stubborn :grin:
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Magdalena on April 08, 2021, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: Tank on April 08, 2021, 09:21:21 PM
Quote from: Magdalena on April 08, 2021, 09:17:35 PM
I admire your dedication, Chris.

Thank you. My wife would call it pig headed stubborn :grin:
Well, either way, Mubarak Bala is lucky to have you as a friend.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Magdalena on April 08, 2021, 11:13:54 PM
 ^^^
:picard facepalm: I just remembered something. The last time I gave you a compliment Siz posted this:  :mwah!:

:eyeroll:
Chingado Satanico envidioso.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 09, 2021, 07:39:20 AM
:rofl:
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on April 27, 2021, 09:36:42 PM
Tomorrow, Wednesday 28th April 2021, is the anniversary of the abduction of Mubarak Bala. If you call him friend you need to post about his predicament in public if it is safe for you to do so. He and his wife and son need your support.

Let's absolutely swamp Buhari and Ganduje's Twitter with messages of support for Mubarak. Please ask your friends to support this protest.
Buhari is @MBuhari
Ganduje is @GovUmarGanduje
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on December 01, 2021, 08:46:43 AM
My FB post today.

Day 581, 1 year and 216 days, of the Shame of Kano.
327 days since the federal court first ordered the release of Mubarak Bala.

Mubarak Bala the Hero of Humanism and President of the Humanist Society of Northern Nigeria is still alive and being held as a political prisoner in Kano state by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR.

The Quran was written by an atheist con-artist. Mohammed was a smart cookie who saw a gap in the religious market for an Arab centric faith. He exploited the desires and gullibility of the men around him. He told them what they wanted to hear and they lapped it up. He offered power, an Arab centric paradise and sex in the shape of 4 wives. His faith ticked all the boxes. And he paraded himself as the ultimate believer.

Who else have we seen who exploited the gullible like this? John Smith the founder of the Mormon faith. He was a convicted con-artist who realised he could say anything he wanted to in the name of religion. He realised that Americans wanted an American centric faith. So he piggy-backed on Christianity to sound credible. He told people that Jesus had travelled the world in the 'lost years' of the Bible and had come to America. He said he had seen the commandments, not on stone but gold tablets! These conveniently disappeared. People wanted to hear what he said so they lapped it up. Oh and don't forget you can have 4 wives too!

This is what religions do. They deceive the gullible, needy and oppressed. And because they are religions they are deemed 'untouchable' by sanity and the civil law. Well now we can see the myths, lies and scams that form religions. And we are in a position to spread these truths. This is all Mubarak did. He opened his eyes and told the truth.

#FreeMubarakBala #FreeMubarakBalaNow #ShameOfKano #ArrestHabuSani #EndBlasphemyLaws #WhereIsDadiyata
mubarak.bala.568847
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Mr. B on February 14, 2022, 08:15:31 PM
It may or may not please you to know that he was officially charged in June of last year.

QuoteProsecutors in the northern state of Kano cited posts on Bala's popular Facebook account as evidence for charging him in June 2021 in secular court. He faces 10 charges, including alleged insults to Prophet Muhammad and "insulting the religion of Islam, its followers in Kano State, calculated to cause a breach of public peace," according to court documents provided to AP by Bala's legal team.
https://www.news-journal.com/nonbelievers-across-africa-risk-freedom-and-family-support/article_1f907076-7583-11ec-90e8-7b4f8ca5910e.html

Considering only 28% of inmates in Nigeria have been charged and convicted. I don't know if they do "Time Served" over there. The charge for blasphemy is two years. If he is convicted on all 10 charges does that mean 20 years?

The article mentioned a 13 year old boy convicted for disparaging language against allah.

Quotethere was widespread condemnation last year led by UNICEF and the head of the Auschwitz museum, after an Islamic court sentenced a 13-year-old boy to 10 years in prison for "disparaging language on Allah." The sentence was eventually overturned by the secular court.

They are not freeing him but at least the case is moving forward in a secular court.

Hope.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on February 14, 2022, 08:21:24 PM
As a matter of interest he finally appeared in court and was charged in early Feb 2022. I have a PDF of the charge sheets. He will apply for bail in April. I am in touch with his legal team, wife and support team in Nigeria.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on February 14, 2022, 08:33:14 PM
It's an interesting question about consecutive or concurrent sentencing policy. I'll find out.

Blasphemy is not a crime in Nigerian constitutional law. Some states in Nigeria operate Sharia law. However it only applies to Muslims and even Muslims have the right to have their case heard under constitutional law. Mubarak Bala renounced Islam in 2014 so can not be charged with blasphemy. So he is charged with variations of incitement which were a result of his blasphemous comments.

Corruption is rife in Nigeria and their legal system is no different. Part of the time taken has been because we won't pay bribes to court officials.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Mr. B on February 14, 2022, 08:34:33 PM
That is good news. I understand from the article I read that Amina has concerns about staying in Nigeria and raising a family there. That's a tough spot to be in. Do you know if he is planning on staying and fighting?
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Mr. B on February 14, 2022, 08:39:29 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 14, 2022, 08:33:14 PM
Corruption is rife in Nigeria and their legal system is no different.

No kidding. I have dozens of emails from widows of generals and various Nigerian nobility telling me I was to be the recipient of vast sums of money....for a small up front processing fee.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on February 14, 2022, 09:08:44 PM
Quote from: Mr. B on February 14, 2022, 08:34:33 PM
That is good news. I understand from the article I read that Amina has concerns about staying in Nigeria and raising a family there. That's a tough spot to be in. Do you know if he is planning on staying and fighting?

Even if I did know I could not confirm his intentions.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on February 14, 2022, 09:10:36 PM
Quote from: Mr. B on February 14, 2022, 08:39:29 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 14, 2022, 08:33:14 PM
Corruption is rife in Nigeria and their legal system is no different.

No kidding. I have dozens of emails from widows of generals and various Nigerian nobility telling me I was to be the recipient of vast sums of money....for a small up front processing fee.

The good old 419 scam. I get friend request daily from Nigerians. The first message from some is "I need help.... etc please send money!" Insta-block.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on October 11, 2022, 08:03:41 AM
Today's Facebook post.

Day 895, 2 years and 165 days of the illegal detention of Mubarak Bala the President of the Humanist Society of Nigeria. He is being held as a political prisoner in Kano state by the Islamist extremist Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR.

You can believe whatever you want, that is your right as a human being. You have every right to tell people what you believe. But the only person your belief controls is you.  You have absolutely and utterly no right whatsoever to force your belief onto others. You have absolutely and utterly no right whatsoever to force or expect other people to behave according to what you believe. You have absolutely and utterly no right whatsoever to pass laws based on your beliefs. You have absolutely and utterly no right whatsoever to silence criticism of your beliefs. Your beliefs rule you and nobody else.

#justiceformubarakbala #FreeMubarakBala #FreeMubarakBalaNow #rShameOfKano #ArrestHabuSani #EndBlasphemyLaws #WhereIsDadiyata
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on October 11, 2022, 09:17:05 AM
Quote from: Tank on October 11, 2022, 08:03:41 AMYour beliefs rule you and nobody else.
Hm... If only. There are people in Russia, who believe that Ukraine is one of their provinces. I'm pretty sure their beliefs pretty much rule Europe at this time.

It's a might-makes-right kind of world. Failing might - money. Money can also make right. Failing that... Yeah, you pretty much end up with this. A legal slog where there should be none.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on November 08, 2022, 03:46:51 PM
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Old Seer on November 09, 2022, 05:34:07 AM
 The latest from my peers. It's now only a matter of when it all turns loose and the people of the planet go at each other. It's expected 20% will survive. Like a forest fire it will move across the land.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on November 09, 2022, 09:14:58 AM
Quote from: Old Seer on November 09, 2022, 05:34:07 AMThe latest from my peers. It's now only a matter of when it all turns loose and the people of the planet go at each other. It's expected 20% will survive. Like a forest fire it will move across the land.

What the fuck are you talking about?
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on November 09, 2022, 03:01:36 PM
Hey, 20% is 15 more (if you pardon the math) than any serious zombie apocalypse.

Regarding the documentary - very good. It needs to be talked about, and to continue to be talked about.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Old Seer on November 09, 2022, 03:43:12 PM
According to their analysis civilization has failed globally causing global discontent and rioting. Under these conditions any small start to killing can spread to everywhere. This is akin to an apocalyptic situation mentioned in another thread.  Atomic weaponry isn't needed to take away greater numbers of people. Mental fission is just as deadly as atomic fission. What they're saying is--- if this keeps going it will reach a point/time a small incident goes globally. Your post brought this to mind when noticing the intolerance displayed.

Normally civilizations end at a countries borders, today things can easily have global consequences.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Tank on January 23, 2023, 09:36:17 AM
Today, 23/1/2023, marks the 1,000th day since the abduction of Mubarak Bala. Little did I know I'd make 1,000 posts on his behalf :(
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 23, 2023, 01:45:12 PM
It is a shame that people are persecuted for what they believe or do not believe. People are not truly free until we are all free.
Title: Re: This is serious. This is real. Mubarak Bala
Post by: Asmodean on January 26, 2023, 09:46:01 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 23, 2023, 01:45:12 PMIt is a shame that people are persecuted for what they believe or do not believe. People are not truly free until we are all free.
Nations are not truly free unless all people in them are. I postulate that no nation is truly free. Some people, however, are, or very nearly so, self-imposed restrictions notwithstanding.

It is absolutely a shame though, that vast numbers of people would cheer the modern-day burning of witches (Which in some cases is, even today, the literal burning of... Far-less literal witches)

One would think that access to education would take care of that, and it certainly helps, but then we have nations like Saudi Arabia and Iran, where that ought not be that big of an issue. Iran has, in fact, "devolved" with the regime change.

It's difficult to be optimistic on mr. Bala's behalf, what with where the events unfold and the time they take to do so, but I do hope that those in the position to offer constructive support continue to do so. What else is there, but defeat?