Nigerian Atheist Mubarak Bala Released from Prison Amid Safety Fears

Mubarak Bala, a prominent Nigerian atheist, has been released from prison after serving over four years for blasphemy. Bala, 40, was convicted in Kano for a Facebook post he shared in 2020, which led to 18 charges against him. In an exclusive interview, Bala expressed concerns for his safety, stating he now lives in a safe house due to the threats he faces as a result of his beliefs.

Bala was initially sentenced to 24 years in prison, but an appeals court reduced his sentence last year, calling it "excessive." Upon his release in Abuja, he described the experience of freedom as both exhilarating and daunting, saying, "Freedom is here, but also there is an underlying threat I now have to face."

Despite feeling relieved to be out, Bala acknowledged the risks of being a vocal critic of religion in Nigeria, a country where blasphemy is punishable under both Sharia and secular law. His situation has drawn international condemnation and ignited debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria.

Once imprisoned, Bala faced fears for his life, citing concerns about encounters with guards and fellow inmates. His conviction sparked outrage within the atheist and humanist communities in Nigeria, leading to calls for reforms in the treatment of individuals expressing non-religious beliefs.

Now free, Bala is eager to reconnect with his young son, who was just six weeks old when he was imprisoned. Reflecting on his activism, he stated he always understood the risks but felt compelled to speak out regardless of potential consequences.