The Case of Siti Fatimah: Detained and Intimidated for Her Faith

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is deeply concerned about the detention and intimidation of Siti Fatimah binti Sulaiman, a 52-year-old Malaysian woman from Terengganu, who was targeted by state religious authorities for her religious beliefs today. Her detention and subsequent interrogation violate fundamental human rights, including freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as enshrined in international human rights law.

On February 23, 2025, Siti Fatimah contacted the Bishop of Malaysia of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light to report that she had been detained and interrogated by state religious officials. This action was initiated after her own daughter, Norainu binti Majlan, reported her for allegedly going astray and attempting to share her faith with her family. During her detention, she was pressured to abandon her beliefs and return to traditional Sunni Islam, a clear violation of her right to freedom of religion. The officer handling her case acknowledged her deep understanding of her faith but expressed concern that she might continue to spread it. As a result, her children were instructed to monitor her activities, further restricting her autonomy and personal freedoms.

Siti Fatimah was issued a warning that further action would be taken if she continued to share her beliefs. Additionally, she was given a document related to her detention, but her daughter took possession of it, preventing her from accessing crucial information about her case.

Siti Fatimah no longer feels safe in her own home, where her husband and other children oppose her beliefs. Her fundamental right to practice her faith freely has been severely undermined, leaving her with no choice but to conceal her faith or seek refuge elsewhere.

The Malaysian government has a long history of targeting the AROPL. In addition to declaring our teachings deviant and heretical, authorities have actively persecuted members of our community. Reports of arrests, harassment, and public vilification have become alarmingly common. Recently, AROPL members have faced backlash not only for promoting their faith but also for their advocacy of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ individuals. A particularly shocking incident involved the arrest of a 60-year-old retired firefighter for speaking with his own son about AROPL teachings.