Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has urged the Nigerian authorities to immediately quash the death sentence by hanging for a Kano-based musician, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, for blaspheming against the Prophet Muhammad.
SERAP described the sentence as travesty of justice which, according to it, amounted to violation of the right to freedom of expression.
“The sentence amounts to criminalization of the poor, as these vaguely worded blasphemy laws are typically used against the poor and those without political influence.
“Mr Sharif-Aminu was found guilty of committing blasphemy for a song he circulated via WhatsApp in March.
“Authorities must quash all sentences for blasphemy and immediately and unconditionally release those imprisoned solely for exercising their constitutionally and internationally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.
“Authorities must also urgently repeal blasphemy laws and bring them in conforming with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a party,” SERAP said.
It added that Mr Sharif-Aminu must be immediately and unconditionally released, adding that “Nigerians have the right to live free from fear of unjust punishment.”
The organisation said the blasphemy charges should never be brought against people simply for exercising their rights, including the right to freedom of expression.
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