The United Kingdom has weighed in on the ongoing subject of the death sentence of a musician from Kano State, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, stating that freedom of speech is “essential to a free and open society.”
Afriupdate recalls that Sharif-Aminu had been sentenced to death by the Sharia court after he was accused of committing a crime of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed in a song.
The decision of the court caused outrage among Nigerians and other civil rights groups who have voiced their displeasure over the ruling.
The court still awaits the Governor of the State, Abdullahi Ganduje to sign the death warrant.
In an email to The PUNCH, the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer of the British High Commission, Christopher Ogunmodede, said, “The United Kingdom is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world, and to being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right.
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“We believe that the rights of individuals to express opinions and peacefully challenge authorities are essential to a free and open society. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. It is a longstanding policy of the UK Government to oppose the death penalty, in all circumstances, as a matter of principle.”
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