European Parliament again calls for release of Nigerian imprisoned for blasphemy in ‘rare’ move

The European Parliament has again demanded the release of a young Sufi Nigerian musician imprisoned for blasphemy, with advocates calling its second resolution on the case a "rare" move. Lawmakers urged Nigeria to free him immediately and repeal the blasphemy laws underpinning his detention.

The musician, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, is facing the death penalty for allegedly circulating song lyrics deemed blasphemous under Kano state's blasphemy laws. Members of the European Parliament asked for his "immediate and unconditional release" in a second urgency resolutionpassed by an overwhelming majority, reports the legal advocacy group ADF International.

The lawmakers' first resolution in the case occurred in April 2023, urging Nigerian officials to withdraw the charges. They have passed another measure to ensure that "no individuals, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere, should be potentially subjected to the death penalty for allegations of blasphemy."

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