Changes from resolution motion to resolution motion joint

Change 1

Removedwhereas all people have the right to freedom of expression and to manifest their religion or belief, as well as to take part in cultural life and the development of their society through artistic expression, without fear of imprisonment, reprisals or even execution;

AddedA. whereas on 10 August 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was brought before an Upper Sharia Court in Kano State where he was tried without legal representation and sentenced to death by hanging for song lyrics allegedly containing derogatory comments regarding the Prophet Muhammad; whereas his family faced harassment and persecution following his arrest;

Removedwhereas on 10 August 2020, Nigerian singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was brought before an upper Sharia court in Kano State, where he was tried and sentenced to death by hanging for alleged blasphemy in a song he composed and shared on social media containing allegedly derogatory comments regarding the Prophet Muhammad;

AddedB. whereas in January 2021, the Kano State High Court ordered a retrial and in August 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld it, while affirming the constitutionality of Sharia blasphemy laws, posing serious risk that the death sentence will be confirmed; whereas Sharif-Aminu appealed to the Supreme Court in November 2022, which remains pending; whereas he is reportedly in critical condition in prison as his health has deteriorated and he lacks sufficient food, clothing and medication;

Removedwhereas his death sentence was quashed by a court of appeal, but remains deeply concerned that Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case will be re-prosecuted based on the same legal framework, the Kano State Sharia Penal Code Law, with serious risks that the death sentence will be confirmed;

AddedC. whereas other Nigerians remain imprisoned on blasphemy charges;

Change 2

Changed1. Urges the Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, whodrop wasall convictedcharges ofagainst blasphemyhim, forguarantee writinghis asafety songand due process rights, and sharingensure itadequate access to food, clothing and medical treatment; calls on athe socialSupreme messagingCourt service;of Nigeria to ensure an expedited and fair appeals process; calls for the release of all others facing blasphemy allegations;

Change 3

RemovedCommends the acquittal of Rhoda Jatau and release of Mubarak Bala while noting that neither of them should have been arrested in the first place;

Added2. Recalls that blasphemy laws are in clear breach of international human rights obligations, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and are contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and expression;

RemovedRecalls that blasphemy laws are in clear breach of international human rights obligations, in particular the ICCPR, and contrary to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and freedom of expression;

Added3. Urges the Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights throughout the country by ensuring that federal, state and Sharia laws do not deny Nigerians the protections afforded by the national constitution and international conventions; stresses Nigeria’s responsibility to lead by example in abolishing blasphemy laws, including religious insult in criminal law, that systematically endanger religious minorities, violate fundamental freedoms and fuel sectarian violence;

RemovedUrges the Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights throughout the country by ensuring that federal, state and Sharia law do not deny Nigerians protection under the national Constitution and international conventions; urges the Nigerian authorities to repeal the blasphemy laws at federal and state level;

Added4. Urges Nigeria to impose a nationwide moratorium on executions and work towards fully abolishing the death penalty;