What It’s Like to Be an Atheist in Palestine

[cbayer]

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/12/08/what-it-s-like-to-be-an-atheist-in-palestine.html

Waleed al-Husseini
12.08.14

Waleed Al Husseini spent 10 months in Palestinian prison for being an atheist blogger. He asks why non-believers like himself are abandoned by the world.

Like many non-religious people around the world, I use the Internet to express my thoughts. It provides a relatively safe way of speaking freely, especially in a country where the vast majority believe in one religion and do not like to hear criticism. Or so I thought.

I used to run a blog in Arabic called “Nour Alakl” and ran a satirical Facebook page under the pseudonym “Allah.” But in October 2010, Palestinian security forces stormed into an Internet cafe and arrested me. Until then, I had been under the impression that I had a right to freedom of speech and to the freedom of belief. But in jail, I was told that my online statements about religion and Islam were illegal. I was told that society didn’t accept such criticisms.

I was beaten by prison guards who demanded to know who had made me write against Islam. In their minds, I could only say these things as the result of some plot, some conspiracy. The idea that I might simply want to express my independent thoughts was alien to them.

more at link

[edhopper]

1. Terrible story of religious oppression

that is, oppression due to religion.

I think there are a number of people in this country who feel the same way about atheists, it's a good thing we have a government and society that doesn't allow them to act this way.

I hope this story does help, he does deserve international support.

[cbayer]

2. I agree that there is significant prejudice towards and lack of understanding

about atheists in the US.

But I am hopeful that it will become increasingly clear that the 1st amendment applies to everyone, and not just to certain people.

I am glad he is out of prison and is speaking out.