Content posted to a personal blog and Facebook under the name God Almighty triggered a series of events that forced Waleed Al-Husseini into exile. Born in 1989 in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, the Palestinian writer and philosopher gained international attention in 2010 after his digital critiques of religion led to his arrest by the Palestinian Authority.
Digital Activism and Critique
A student at the Arab American University, Al-Husseini frequently accessed the internet from a corner booth in a local café in Qalqilya. He operated the blog Noor al-Aqel, which translates to Enlightenment of Reason, where he published essays criticizing Islam and questioning the treatment of women. His digital output included spoofs of Koranic verses and satirical commentary on the lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad, which drew thousands of visitors and numerous death threats.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Arrest and Legal Controversy
Following a tip-off from a café owner who used monitoring software to track his screen activity, Palestinian intelligence officials arrested Al-Husseini on October 31, 2010. His detention sparked a debate regarding freedom of expression within the Palestinian Authority, where the legal system permitted prosecution for blasphemy based on a 1960 Jordanian law. The case drew global scrutiny from organizations including Human Rights Watch and the French foreign ministry, which raised concerns regarding fundamental freedoms.
Exile and Ongoing Advocacy
After his release from prison, Al-Husseini left Palestine fearing for his safety. He was granted asylum in France in 2012, where he has since resided. As a founder of the Council of Ex-Muslims of France, he continues to work as an essayist, teacher, and women's rights activist. His experiences and perspectives on his departure from Islam are detailed in his notable work, The Blasphemer: The Price I Paid for Rejecting Islam.
Fast facts
- Born: 1989, Qalqilya
- Citizenship: Palestine
- Languages: English, Arabic
- Notable Work: The Blasphemer: The Price I Paid for Rejecting Islam
- Residence: France (since 2012)
- Education: Arab American University
Questions readers ask
Why was Waleed Al-Husseini arrested?
He was arrested by the Palestinian Authority in 2010 for allegedly blaspheming against Islam in his blog posts and on Facebook.
Where does Waleed Al-Husseini live now?
He has lived in France since 2012, when he was granted asylum.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Blasphemer: The Price I Paid for Rejecting Islam
