This petition was originally posted by ADF International to the United Kingdom's Minister of Foreign Affairs. It has been adjusted to urge The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, to take the same actions in defending Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a young Nigerian Sufi musician, who is on death's row for self-composing song lyrics deemed "blasphemous".

Imagine being threatened with death because of something you said that others found offensive to their own beliefs? 

This is what some blasphemy laws around the world allow; the death sentence for opinions that others find offensive.

Blasphemy laws are prevalent in many countries where Sharia law operates and are often used to persecute Christians and religious minorities.

Reports and testimonies reveal that these laws are often a significant driver of social tensions and brutal mob violence, often directed against Christians.

Blasphemy accusations across the world are the ultimate censorship, as they regularly lead to mob violence and murder. And in Nigeria, the broader violence against Christians is causing an estimated 13 Christians to be violently killed every day because of their faith. Christian student Deborah Emmanuel Yakubu was stoned and beaten to death for thanking Jesus after an exam. She lost her life over blasphemy accusations and the out-of-control mob’s hatred towards her statement. Now, Christian and mother of five, Rhoda Jatau, is facing a blasphemy charge for forwarding a video defending Deborah, and the mob came after her as well. No one should be subjected to mob violence and attacks based on their peaceful expression.

And in Northern Nigeria, young Sufi musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu has his life and freedom hanging in the balance because the self-composed song lyrics he shared in a WhatsApp group were deemed “blasphemous” and a mob demanded his arrest after destroying his home.

Everyone should have the right to freely speak, live out their faith, and worship without fear of persecution. But those subjected to blasphemy laws are often denied these basic human rights.

We want to see blasphemy laws repealed.

We want to secure freedom of religion and free expression for all.

Will you join us?

More Information:

https://adfinternational.org/video-release-european-parliament/

https://adf.uk/uk-politicians-call-for-yahayas-release/

Original petition: https://citizengo.org/en-gb/211509-help-end-blasphemy-laws-and-free-yahaya-sharif-aminu-who-could-face-death-over-whatsapp