Ali Mohaqiq Nasab is an Afghan cleric and journalist who edited the monthly publication Haqooq-i-Zan, or “Women’s Rights.” Unsurprisingly given its name, the paper expressed liberal views regarding Islamic theology and law—liberal views which landed Ali in prison.

"Nasab’s alleged crime was publishing articles in the magazine that questioned harsh interpretations of Islamic law such as amputating the hands of thieves as punishment for stealing, and publicly stoning those convicted of adultery. He also questioned the fact that a woman’s testimony is considered only half as valid as a man’s in court." - Committee to Protect Journalists, press release

According to the grievances of the clerics who brought the case forward, Ali had published numerous articles in his magazine which insulted Islam. Such insults included criticism of punishments for sins that were as extreme as amputation and stoning, as well as aspects of women’s subservient roles in Islamic society. Though he maintained he did not blaspheme, he did not receive a full and fair hearing at his trial and had no lawyer. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in October 2005.

Although a state prosecutor was dissatisfied with the verdict, preferring that Ali face death, a rare instance of good fortune occurred: rather than the planned two years, only three months of Ali’s life were thrown away for his expression of forbidden speech. According to leaked documents, a brief apology was enough to reduce his sentence to six months, after half of which he was released.