Where the law stands, Dossier 2025/2548(RSP)
Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 13 February 2025. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 13 February 2025
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
13 February 2025 · decision 3
Foreign affairs, Resolution
Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu
Adopted Decided by show of hands: no count recorded.
AI summary:The resolution calls on Nigerian authorities to release Sharif-Aminu, ensure his proper treatment, and repeal blasphemy laws, including the death penalty.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
No change of substance: the two versions differ only in presentation — cover page, numbering or the parts a report carries that the adopted text does not.
Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The resolution now details Sharif-Aminu's case and other detainees, and calls for his release and fair trial. It urges Nigeria to repeal blasphemy laws, impose a moratorium on executions, and combat impunity. It adds calls for EU diplomatic observation and removes calls for ratifying a protocol and forwarding the resolution.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 13 Feb 2025
AI summary:The European Parliament resolution urges Nigeria to release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and all others charged with blasphemy, and to abolish blasphemy laws and the death penalty.
Tabled for plenary· 12 Feb 2025
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0122/2025
AI summary:The resolution urges Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, convicted of blasphemy for a song, and to repeal blasphemy laws at federal and state level.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0113/2025
AI summary:This resolution addresses the detention and death sentence of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in Nigeria for blasphemy, and broader issues of religious persecution and migration. It calls for cooperation on migration and rejects extending EU hate speech laws.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0101/2025
AI summary:The resolution concerns the continued detention and death sentence of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in Nigeria for blasphemy, and calls for his release, a moratorium on the death penalty, and the repeal of blasphemy laws.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0123/2025
AI summary:The resolution urges Nigeria to release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and others detained on blasphemy charges, and to repeal blasphemy laws, which violate international human rights and the Nigerian Constitution.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0117/2025
AI summary:The resolution condemns the continued imprisonment of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu and calls for his immediate release, the repeal of blasphemy laws in Nigeria, and a moratorium on executions.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0120/2025
AI summary:The resolution calls on Nigerian authorities to release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, withdraw blasphemy charges, and ensure his adequate treatment in detention.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0104/2025
AI summary:This resolution calls on Nigerian authorities to release Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy, and to ensure his proper treatment in custody.
Tabled for plenary· 10 Feb 2025
Motion for a resolution B10-0111/2025
AI summary:This resolution concerns the detention and death sentence of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu in Nigeria for blasphemy. It urges Nigerian authorities to release him, drop charges, and repeal blasphemy laws, and calls on the EU to raise the issue.
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
13 February 2025
Plenary vote
Sitting of 13 Feb 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0101/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0104/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0111/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0113/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0117/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0120/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0122/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0123/2025Adopted text TA10-0018/2025
12 February 2025
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
Sitting of 12 Feb 2025 Motion for a resolution B10-0101/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0104/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0111/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0113/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0117/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0120/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0122/2025Motion for a resolution B10-0123/2025
12 February 2025
2 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2025/2548(RSP)