The ex-Muslim who has been fighting for decades against the use of the burqa and niqab: "There will always be women who want to wear them, as they are militating in Islamism, which is like militating in Nazism"
Hanan Serroukh, a former Muslim from Barcelona, has dedicated her life to combating Islamism after escaping forced marriage at a young age, using her experience to educate authorities and raise awareness about radicalism.
Hanan Serroukh, a former Muslim originally from Morocco and now residing in Barcelona, has emerged as a prominent voice against Islamism in Spain. Her journey began at the tender age of 14 when she fled her home to escape an arranged marriage orchestrated by her stepfather, an imam associated with the first mosque built in Catalonia. This traumatic experience galvanized her commitment to fighting against the oppression she experienced and observed within the context of radical Islam. Over the decades, Serroukh transitioned from instinctive self-preservation to a structured advocacy role, contributing her insights to security forces and intelligence agencies.
Since 2006, Serroukh has dedicated herself to this cause, first operating privately and later speaking publicly about the dangers of radicalization. In a significant interview with El Mundo in 2018, she articulated her concerns over a form of terrorism that seeks to dismantle the social order and impose an Islamic regime on Western societies. Her warnings extend to the societal ramifications of cultural practices like the burqa and niqab, which she argues serve as symbols of a militant ideology that echo totalitarian regimes. She emphasizes that while some women may choose to wear these garments, they are often motivated by extremist ideologies rather than personal freedom, equating the situation to Nazi militarism.
Serroukh's ongoing advocacy is vital in raising awareness about the subtleties of radicalization within Western communities, particularly in the context of women's rights. Her experiences and insights offer a compelling argument for greater vigilance against the influence of Islamism in society, highlighting the need for both individual choice and the safeguarding of democratic values. Her book, "Courage: The Price of Freedom," now in its second edition, recounts her harrowing escape and the broader fight against radicalism she passionately engages in today.