Mariwan Halabjaee

Mariwan Halabjaee or Mariwan Halabjayi[1] (Kurdish: مەریوان ھەڵەبجەیی‎‎,;[note 1] born 1 June 1963) is an Iraqi Kurdish writer, public speaker, and human rights activist. He is the author of sixteen books and producer of over ninety documentaries, covering topics on theology, psychology, and human rights.[2] He is the author of the book Sex, Sharia and Women in the History of Islam (alternate title: Sex, Legislation and Women in Islamic History).[3] The book gained international fame when published in 2005, and has since been reprinted eleven times and translated into Arabic, Persian, and Pashto for millions of readers.[4] It is about how Islam and Sharia are allegedly used to oppress Muslim women. "I wanted to prove how oppressed women are in Islam and that they have no rights," said Halabjaee.[5] Halabjaee asserted the book was, "based on Islamic sources such as the Holy Quran, Muslim and Bukhari books[note 2] and many more."[6] Due to his controversial work, he is often referred to as "the Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan".

Mariwan Halabjaee
Born (1963-06-01) 1 June 1963
Halabja
OccupationJournalist, Essayist, Author
NationalityKurd
SubjectIslam, Women's Rights in Islam, Women's rights, Women's rights in Iraq
Notable worksSharia and Women in the History of Islam (alternate title: , Legislation and Women in Islamic History)
Website
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First fatwa in Iraqi Kurdistan

Halabjaee was reportedly forced to flee from Iraqi Kurdistan to Norway because the Islamic League of Kurdistan issued a "conditional" fatwa to kill him if he did not repent and apologize for writing his book.[7] Halabjaee reported, "the mullahs and scholars said if I go to them and apologize they will give me 80 lashes and then refer me to the fatwa committee to decide if I am to be beheaded. They might forgive me, they might not."[8]

Halabjaee allegedly received telephone calls saying, "Now, in 10 years or 15 years, we will kill you."[9] Another time, Halabjaee reported, "the Islamists said once from the radio, if they found out where I was, they would blow themselves up with me."[10] "With that book I wanted to defend women but the first thing I did was hurt my wife," said Halabjaee.[11] As a result, Halabjaee went into hiding with his pregnant wife and three children.[12]

Halabjaee fled Iraqi Kurdistan after the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) allegedly refused to offer him any protection or to arrest those who threatened his life. "The Kurdish authorities have not provided any protection from threats and fatwas," said Halabjaee, "any moment I am expecting a bullet or a hand grenade to be thrown into where I live."[13]

In response to the Halabjaee affair, the KRG Minister of Religious Issues, Dr. Mohammad Gaznayi, told protestors that according to the law of Iraqi Kurdistan, "defamation" or "criticizing" religion or religious figures is a crime and its punishment is severe.[14] "We will give those who attack our prophets a sentence so that they can be a lesson for everyone," said Dr. Gaznayi.[15][note 3] Halabjaee was in possession of a warrant for his arrest issued by the Suleimaniya police department when he fled Iraqi Kurdistan.[16]

In August 2006, Halabjaee was granted political asylum in Norway.[17]

Conviction in absentia for blasphemy

In December 2007, Halabjaee was convicted in absentia in Iraqi Kurdistan for the crime of blasphemy.[18] A court in Halabja sentenced Halabjaee to prison for writing that the prophet Mohammed had 19 wives, married a 9-year-old when he was 54 years old, and committed murder and rape.[19] Halabjaee remains in Norway. The sentence states that he will be arrested upon his return to Iraqi Kurdistan.[20]

Second fatwa in Norway

In September 2008, Iraqi Kurdish scholar and leader of extremist group Ansar al-Islam Mullah Krekar allegedly threatened to kill Halabjaee in an audio file published on the Kurdish website Renesans.nu. "I swear that we will not live if you live. Either you go before us, or we go before you," said Krekar.[21] Mullah Krekar was the original leader of the Islamist terrorist group Ansar al-Islam.[22] Mullah Krekar compared Halabjaee with Salman Rushdie and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.[23] Mullah Krekar, like Halabjaee, currently resides in Norway as a refugee. Since February 2003, Mullah Krekar has had an expulsion order against him in Norway. The order has been suspended, however, pending Iraqi government guarantees that Mullah Krekar will not face torture or execution.[24]

In February 2012, Mullah Krekar confirmed in the Oslo District Court that he had issued a twenty-page fatwa against Halabjaee.[25] The fatwa was sent to several hundred Islamic scholars around the world. While Mullah Krekar said he thought he might be able to "guarantee the safety" of Halabjaee, Mullah Krekar confirmed that his fatwa "implies" that it is "permissible" to kill Halabjaee in Oslo or anywhere else.[26] Mullah Krekar compared Halabjaee to Theo van Gogh, the film director who was killed by an Islamist in the Netherlands in 2004.[27]

On 26 March 2012, Mullah Krekar was sentenced to 5 years in prison for making death threats.[28] He appealed. On 26 March 2012, Mullah Krekar was re-arrested for making threats against two Kurds and the Conservative Party leader Erna Solberg.[29]

On 6 December 2012, the Court of Appeal acquitted Mullah Krekar of charges of incitement to terrorism, but found Krekar guilty of four counts of intimidation under aggravating circumstances.[30] The Court of Appeal ordered that Krekar pay 130,000 kroner in damages compensation to each of the three Kurds he threatened, and to serve two years and ten months in prison, less the 255 days he was in custody.[31]

Notes
  1. Alternate spellings: Mariwan, Marywan, Marewan / Halabjaee, Halabjay, Halabjayee, Halabjaye, Halabjayi, Halabjai.
  2. See also Muhammad al-Bukhari.
  3. Dr. Mohammad Gaznayi is the same KRG Minister of Religious Issues who said, "I consider that those who turn to Christianity pose a threat to society." See Kathleen Ridolfo (July 3, 2005). "Iraq: Christians Face Threats From All Sides". Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. Retrieved 22 April 2012.; Ayyub Kareem (November 17, 2005). "Kurdish Christians Complain of Discrimination". Institute for War & Peace Reporting. Retrieved 10 June 2012.. Dr. Gaznayi also said people who turn to Christianity are “renegades” in the eyes of Islam. See Ayyub Kareem (November 17, 2005). "Kurdish Christians Complain of Discrimination". Institute for War & Peace Reporting. Retrieved 12 June 2012..

References
  1. Worth, Robert F. (2006-04-04). "Sex and Islam Author Says He Fears for His Life, but Some Call Him a Publicity Hound". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  2. "کتێبخانه‌ی خوداکان". Retrieved 2019-11-20.
  3. Halabjaee, Mariwan. "Sex, Sharia and Women in the History of Islam". Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  4. "Sex, Sharia and Women in the History of Islam" (PDF). Retrieved 2019-10-25.
  5. Mark Thomas (27 February 2006). "Mark Thomas flushes out a fatwa". New Statesman. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  6. ""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  7. ""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"The `Salman Rushdie of Iraqi-Kurdistan` forced to flee to Sweden". Kurdish Media. 29 March 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  8. Mark Thomas (27 February 2006). "Mark Thomas flushes out a fatwa". New Statesman. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"The `Salman Rushdie of Iraqi-Kurdistan` forced to flee to Sweden". Kurdish Media. 29 March 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  9. ""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  10. Mark Thomas (27 February 2006). "Mark Thomas flushes out a fatwa". New Statesman. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  11. ""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  12. ""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  13. Mark Thomas (27 February 2006). "Mark Thomas flushes out a fatwa". New Statesman. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *""The Salman Rushdie of Iraqi Kurdistan" sentenced to jail for blasphemy". Kurd Net. January 9, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  14. "The "Salman Rushdie of Iraqi-Kurdistan" forced to flee to Sweden". Kurd Net. March 29, 2006. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  15. "The `Salman Rushdie of Iraqi-Kurdistan` forced to flee to Sweden". Kurdish Media. 29 March 2006. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  16. "The "Salman Rushdie of Iraqi-Kurdistan" forced to flee to Sweden". Kurd Net. March 29, 2006. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *Njord V. Svendsen (March 19, 2007). "Fryktar for livet i Noreg". BT.NO. Retrieved 22 April 2012..
  17. Bjarte Ystebø (March 19, 2007). "Lever i skjul etter islam-kritikk". IDAG. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *Njord V. Svendsen (March 19, 2007). "Fryktar for livet i Noreg". BT.NO. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Norskiraner dømt for blasfemi i Irak". Human Rights Service. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  18. "Author sentenced to jail for blasphemy". UPI. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Forfatter bosatt i Norge dømt for blasfemi". Aftenposten. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Dømt forfatter får støtte". Bt.No. January 25, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Norskiraner dømt for blasfemi i Irak". Human Rights Service. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  19. "Author sentenced to jail for blasphemy". UPI. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Forfatter bosatt i Norge dømt for blasfemi". Aftenposten. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Dømt forfatter får støtte". Bt.No. January 25, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Norskiraner dømt for blasfemi i Irak". Human Rights Service. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  20. "Author sentenced to jail for blasphemy". UPI. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Forfatter bosatt i Norge dømt for blasfemi". Aftenposten. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Dømt forfatter får støtte". Bt.No. January 25, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
    *"Norskiraner dømt for blasfemi i Irak". Human Rights Service. January 8, 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  21. Renesans.nu – Mariwan Halabjaee Threatened by Mullah Krekar on YouTube
    *Kristian Aale (27 Sep 2008). "Mener forfatter fortjener dødsstraff". Aftenposten. Archived from the original on 2 February 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *Martine Aurdal, Tore Gjerstad (27 September 2008). "Krekar drapstruet meg". Dagbladet.no. Archived from the original on 14 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *"Krekar hardt ut mot forfatter". Namdalsavisa.no. 27 September 2008. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *"Krekar mener forfatter fortjener dødsstraff – Vi forbyr oss selv livet dersom du lever". VG.no. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
  22. See Ansar_al-Islam - History
  23. Kristian Aale (27 Sep 2008). "Mener forfatter fortjener dødsstraff". Aftenposten. Archived from the original on 2 February 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *Martine Aurdal, Tore Gjerstad (27 September 2008). "Krekar drapstruet meg". Dagbladet.no. Archived from the original on 14 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *"Krekar hardt ut mot forfatter". Namdalsavisa.no. 27 September 2008. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *"Krekar mener forfatter fortjener dødsstraff – Vi forbyr oss selv livet dersom du lever". VG.no. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
  24. Kristian Aale (27 Sep 2008). "Mener forfatter fortjener dødsstraff". Aftenposten. Archived from the original on 2 February 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *Martine Aurdal, Tore Gjerstad (27 September 2008). "Krekar drapstruet meg". Dagbladet.no. Archived from the original on 14 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *"Krekar hardt ut mot forfatter". Namdalsavisa.no. 27 September 2008. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
    *"Krekar mener forfatter fortjener dødsstraff – Vi forbyr oss selv livet dersom du lever". VG.no. 27 September 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2012.
  25. Harald S. Klungtveit (17 February 2012). "Jeg frykter hele tida at noen skal komme bakfra og drepe meg". Dagbladet.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Eivind Fondenes (23 February 2012). "Jeg kommer til å halshugge deg, uansett hvor du er". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Kjell Persen (28 February 2012). "Vil ha fem års fengsel for Krekar". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Eivind Fondenes (25 February 2012). "Denne koranbrenningen fikk Krekar til å utstede fatwa mot to kurdere". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Anders Brekke (17 February 2012). "Avsa dødsdom mot forfatter". NRK.no. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Lilla Puddel (17 February 2012). "Krekar utsteder dødsdommer". Dagbladet.no. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  26. Harald S. Klungtveit (17 February 2012). "Jeg frykter hele tida at noen skal komme bakfra og drepe meg". Dagbladet.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Eivind Fondenes (23 February 2012). "Jeg kommer til å halshugge deg, uansett hvor du er". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Kjell Persen (28 February 2012). "Vil ha fem års fengsel for Krekar". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Eivind Fondenes (25 February 2012). "Denne koranbrenningen fikk Krekar til å utstede fatwa mot to kurdere". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Anders Brekke (17 February 2012). "Avsa dødsdom mot forfatter". NRK.no. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Lilla Puddel (17 February 2012). "Krekar utsteder dødsdommer". Dagbladet.no. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  27. Harald S. Klungtveit (17 February 2012). "Jeg frykter hele tida at noen skal komme bakfra og drepe meg". Dagbladet.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Eivind Fondenes (23 February 2012). "Jeg kommer til å halshugge deg, uansett hvor du er". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Kjell Persen (28 February 2012). "Vil ha fem års fengsel for Krekar". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Eivind Fondenes (25 February 2012). "Denne koranbrenningen fikk Krekar til å utstede fatwa mot to kurdere". TV2.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Anders Brekke (17 February 2012). "Avsa dødsdom mot forfatter". NRK.no. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Lilla Puddel (17 February 2012). "Krekar utsteder dødsdommer". Dagbladet.no. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  28. The Associated Press (27 March 2012). "Norway: Cleric Sentenced for Threats". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
    *Gunnar Hult Green (27 March 2012). "PST ønsker å ha ham sittende bak lås og slå til lagmannsrettssaken". Dagbladet.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  29. Gunnar Hult Green (27 March 2012). "PST ønsker å ha ham sittende bak lås og slå til lagmannsrettssaken". Dagbladet.no. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  30. Svend Ole Kvilesjø , Lene Li Dragland (6 December 2012). "Mullah Krekar fikk redusert straff i lagmannsretten". Aftenposten. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  31. Svend Ole Kvilesjø , Lene Li Dragland (6 December 2012). "Mullah Krekar fikk redusert straff i lagmannsretten". Aftenposten. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
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