Sakharov Network

When the doctor and writer Taslima Nasreen, who was born in 1962 in Banglades, won the 1994 Sakharov Prize, she had already sought refuge in Europe. Her works, which criticise religious fundamentalism and, in particular, the oppression of women, are banned in her country. Islamic fundamentalists have issued threats against her life.

In her acceptance speech, she said she came from a part of the world where social tensions and human difficulties were unbearable. As a writer, she could not close her eyes to the daily suffering and starvation in the slums.

In September 1998, Taslima Nasreen returned to Bangladesh to her dying mother. As soon as this news came out, religious fundamentalists once again called for the writer to be put to death. A court issued a warrant for her arrest and threatened to confiscate her assets.

The European Parliament answered Taslima Nasreen’s appeal for help and, in a resolution, called on the government of Bangladesh to protect her life and ensure her safety.

In January 1999, in the face of continuing threats, Nasreen left her homeland once again. She is currently living in India.