**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
October 29, 2024 | 1:00 PM EST | Church Center of the United Nations, New York, NY
Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA), in collaboration with a coalition of international human rights organizations, will co-host a vital panel discussion titled “Ending Extrajudicial Violence Resulting from Apostasy and Blasphemy Laws” on October 29th, 2024, at 1:00 PM EST. The event will take place at the Church Center of the United Nations, located at 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY.
EXMNA is a human rights organization that focuses on providing support for those who leave Islam by advocating for the acceptance of religious dissent and reducing discrimination faced by apostates from Islam by promoting secular values.
This event will feature distinguished panelists from diverse faith backgrounds, many of whom have personally experienced the injustice of extrajudicial violence. Panelists will engage in a crucial conversation addressing how to combat the rise in violent acts carried out against individuals accused of apostasy and blasphemy. The panel aims to bring attention to this widespread human rights violation and urge UN Member States to take decisive steps to protect those most at risk.
Muhammad Syed, Founder and President of EXMNA, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue: "The violence stemming from blasphemy and apostasy laws is not just a tragedy for those affected—it is an attack on the fundamental human right of freedom of belief. We must confront and challenge these draconian laws, which threaten anyone who dares to think freely."
Panelists include:
Nadine Maenza, President of International Religious Freedom Secretariat
Kola Alapinni, International Human Rights Lawyer from Nigeria (virtual)
Mashal Naseem, Family member of EJE victim killed in Pakistan
Joseph Jansen, Human Rights Defender from Pakistan
Gulalai Ismail, Human Rights Activist from Pakistan
Nasar Ahmad, Founder of "Repeal the Second" from Pakistan
Aysha Khan, Director of Operations for EXMNA, further stressed the urgency of this issue, saying: "It is crucial to emphasize that anti-blasphemy and anti-apostasy laws do not discriminate. They affect people of all faith backgrounds as well as those with no faith at all."
This free, in-person event will spotlight survivors and advocates, focusing on the need for international cooperation to end extrajudicial violence and protect the fundamental freedoms of conscience, religion, and belief.
To register for the event, please click HERE.
For more information, please contact:
Ex-Muslims of North America
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.exmuslims.org
Media Contact:
Aysha Khan
Director of Operations
Ex-Muslims of North America
Email: [email protected]
