#JusticeForZaraKay
The International Coalition of Ex-Muslims is pleased to announce that Zara Kay will soon arrive in Australia today 4 March 2021 after weeks of facing threats and risk to her life in Tanzania. She finally flew out of Tanzania on 1 March, having missed a 26 February flight after being stopped by police at the airport.
As had previously been reported, Zara Kay, Founder of Faithless Hijabi, was detained on trumped up charges on 28 December 2020 and held for 32 hours at the Dar es-Salaam Oysterbay Police Station. Credible sources revealed that the politically-motivated charges against her had been instigated by certain members of Zara’s former Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat community who are opposed to her apostasy, blasphemy and activism.
After reporting to police on a daily basis for much of the following 9 weeks when out on bail, and faced with ongoing harassment by the authorities, Zara has finally left Tanzania after no formal charges were made against her.
Zara says:
‘I can finally breathe. The last two months have been horrifying for me and my family. It took an army to get me to safety. I thank you all for your efforts – from every email sent, every retweet to every expression of concern and solidarity. My family and I are grateful for all the help we’ve received. I have yet to unpack how much this has affected me but I know I’ll come out of this stronger.
‘I will fight for justice. I won’t give up on highlighting the plight of ex-Muslims. What my former community, the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat, and the Tanzanian authorities put me through was unacceptable. We must never be silent about these injustices. My heart goes out to all the ex-Muslims living in fear. I promise you there’s light at the end of the tunnel.’
The Coalition thanks all the individuals and organisations that worked tirelessly to support her and bring her home. A special thanks to the legal team, especially Doughty Street Chambers, for their efforts.
Halima Salat, member of the International Coalition and #JusticeForZaraKay Coordinating Team says:
‘I want to give special thanks to Zara’s family for standing up for her. In many cases, vocal ex-Muslims lose the support of their families. I am in awe of the strength and resilience that both Zara and her family have shown throughout this difficult time.’
Mimzy Vidz, Youtuber and member of the #JusticeForZaraKay Coordinating Team says:
‘I want to thank everyone for their support during this stressful time. The tweets, emails and videos all helped raise awareness of Zara’s situation and helped secure her release. Zara found herself in this frightening situation because some wanted to silence her for speaking out as an ex-Muslim. This case only highlights the urgency of ex-Muslim activism and the risks many freethinkers face.’
The International Coalition is pleased that Zara is now safe in Australia. We reiterate that apostasy and blasphemy are basic human rights and fundamental to freedom of expression and conscience and call on the public to continue to defend the innumerable who are persecuted for leaving and criticising Islam in all corners of the globe.
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