We’re Thankful You’re Here

This week’s Unbelief Brief travels first to West Africa where the ECOWAS Court is pressing Nigeria to finally repeal its notorious blasphemy laws, though enforcement remains uncertain. Across the Atlantic, the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service has announced plans to appeal the acquittal of Hamit Coskun, who was attacked and then charged for burning a Qur’an in protest. 

Reminder, if you’re an ex-Muslim artist interested in volunteering your talents, we’d love to highlight your voice! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Unbelief Brief

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has written to Nigeria seeking enforcement of a judgment against Nigeria’s blasphemy laws. The economic union, consisting of 15 West African nations, previously ruled that blasphemy laws in the region violate human rights principles. Nigeria, Gambia, Cape Verde, and Mauritania, have thus far refused to comply with the court order to axe their blasphemy laws. 

Nigeria is probably the worst offender of the four countries as 12 of its northern states are Muslim-majority prescribing harsh penalties for blasphemy, including death. Unfortunately, the ability of the ECOWAS Court to enforce compliance with its rulings is limited. While the renewed push to get Nigeria’s blasphemy laws off the books is welcomed, the chances that it alone results in the repeal of those laws is slim.

Over in the UK, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced its intent to appeal the recent Crown Court ruling that acquitted Hamit Coskun of “racially or religiously aggravated harassment or alarm.” Coskun had previously been convicted and fined after burning a Qur’an outside the Turkish Embassy and shouting that “Islam is the religion of terrorism.” He was attacked with a knife during this act of protest by a man who claimed to be defending his religion. One might note the irony of trying to defend one’s religion from accusations of terrorism by trying to murder someone.

Coskun’s act may have been provocative, but that is part of his right to free speech. He should never have been charged with a crime in the first place and the reversal of his conviction was a great victory for freedom of expression. CPS claims its appeal is not about the Qur’an but about Coskun’s “disorderly conduct.” Yet no one believes he would have been prosecuted for burning any other book. He certainly would not have been assaulted by a knife-wielding maniac who went on to avoid jail. This disgraceful appeal from CPS must be summarily rejected by the courts.

If you found this newsletter valuable, please consider sharing it with a friend—or supporting our work with a donation.

Until next week,

The Team at Ex-Muslims of North America

P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback at [email protected].

Whether it’s giving $5 or $500, help us fight for a future where we're all free to follow our conscience.