Women Leaving Islam with Maryam Namazie - human rights activist and atheist

Maryam Namazie is an Iranian-born writer and activist. She is the Spokesperson of One Law for All and the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. Until recently, she hosted a weekly television programme broadcast in Iran in Persian and English called Bread and Roses.

She produced the film “Women Leaving Islam” in December 2020; published The Woman’s Quran; organised the first ever Apostasy Day on 22 August and Atheist Day on 21 March with an international coalition of ex-Muslim groups.

She organised the largest gatherings of ex-Muslims in history, including at De Balie’s Celebrating Dissent; led a topless protest at Pride London in 2017 in defence of LGBT rights with placards saying “Allah is Gay” and “LGBT rights are universal”.

She also took part in a nude protest in defense of women’s rights in the Middle East and North Africa, initiated a Day to Stand with Bangladesh’s Bloggers and Activists; an International Day to Defend Amina and the Nude Photo Revolutionary Calendar 2012-2013, founded Iran Solidarity, and helped launch the Manifesto for a Free and Secular Middle East and North Africa.

In 2006, Maryam signed signed a statement of 12 writers against Islamic totalitarianism with Salman Rushdie, Taslima Nasrin and others.