NameSimon / Sayyid Qadri
Statement

I was born in a well-known Muslim family in India, but left islam when i was at SOAS london Uni in 1996. I was a member of a christain church in London for a number of years, but grew out of it mainly becuase of their reluctance to support guy rights etc. Now I identify myself as a humanist ex-Muslim ( but not talk about it when i visit my parents in India, for security reasons. However I have managed to help my two nephews ( 20 and 21, student in the uk ) secretly reject islam.
I have decided to join you organisation because i feel the need to be part of a group of likeminded people. At the moment i am feeling quite lonely, especially after my uncle and his family in London decided to completely cut off ties with me ( after a heated exchange of views on sharia law with my young religious cousins ). In fact in the past 2-3 years, I have been increasingly ostracised by some
of my own family members and relatives. It is mainly becuase for my critism of Islam, but also becuase of the social stigma attached to associating with apostate.

I have spent most part of my adult life in the UK and have served in a number of important positions, including in the Foreign Office, where I was part of the team responsible for organising rescue missions and media campaigns for forced marriage victims ( 2002-2007). I also have some other experience of working in the field of human rights e.g. Human rights spokesperson for CSW etc. ( google search of my name should tell you a bit more about my human rights and advocasy works). I have never felt physically threatened in London and am happy openly share or express my views on islam and help CEBM in any way i can. Thanks. Best, simon