The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) community in Malaysia facing escalating persecution and discrimination
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) expresses deep outrage over the recent sentencing and arrests of its followers in Malaysia, underscoring the escalating persecution faced by the community. On October 22, 2024, the Sharia High Court in Negeri Sembilan handed down a six-month prison sentence and a fine of RM4,500 to Zolekafeli Bin Abd Ghani, a 60-year-old retired firefighter, for allegedly teaching “false doctrines.” Zolekafeli was charged for proclaiming his belief in Aba Al-Sadiq, the leader of the faith, and for stating that the Quran had been corrupted. Despite pleas for leniency due to his age, health, and family obligations, the court imposed consecutive sentences, citing the risk of “apostasy and disbelief.”