In Nigeria an outspoken atheist and ex-Muslim was beaten by his family, placed in a psychiatric hospital and now faces possible execution, all for renouncing Islam and declaring himself an atheist, according to human rights workers.

A twitter campaign ( #FreeMubarak) in support of Nigerian atheist Mubarak Bala is currently underway, and supporters are asked to sign a petition to free Bala.

Atheist Revolution reports Bala’s father “decided that atheism is a mental illness and had Mubarak involuntarily hospitalized on the psychiatric unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Mubarak is reportedly in fear for his life, which is understandable given that he’s an atheist in Nigeria.”

Statement on Mubarak Bala via Reddit:

A Nigerian National called Mubarak Bala is being held in a secure psychiatric ward at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) in Kano, Nigeria. He has been beaten and is currently being drugged. His father is a politically powerful individual who has had him committed, against the advice of a medical professional. He is an Islamist supporter of Boko Haram. The real reason for this outrageous and inhumane action is because Mubarak has renounced Islam and has openly declared himself to be an atheist. A small group of individuals from around the world have been trying to raise awareness of Mubarak’s plight, but so far with little success. we genuinely fear that Mubarak’s life is in danger. We have also started an online petition at http://ctt.ec/2j5U9+ Further instructions for how to get involved are at http://godlessmom.com/free-mubarak/. A human rights lawyer … has attempted to speak with Mubarak at AKTH, but was unable to get past the security there. This information is confirmed by Mr Bamidele Adeneye, a representative of the Nigeria Humanist Movement, which is a member of The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). We have also approached many Human Rights Organisations in order to gain their support, but so far, to no avail. The situation for Mubarak Bala is desperate and we request that you help bring it to the public eye. We MUST raise awareness and secure the release of an innocent man.

Mubarak’s Twitter handle is ExMuslim, and his bio reads: “Chemical Process Engineer. I stand for Truth & Justice. Religion insults human conscience & reason, duped me that I have another lifetime. Agnostic Atheist #ExMuslim.”

Supporters are asked to sign a petition to free Bala.

(H/T: Godless Mom)