Untold Stories: The Bosnia Series - The Other Archive Episode 6: The Story of Babar Ahmad
Aug 17, 2025
Babar Ahmad, a survivor of torture and the longest-serving British citizen detained without charge, shares his gripping journey from South London to the Bosnian War. He recalls the moral awakening that led him to abandon academia for arms, the camaraderie among foreign fighters, and the emotional scars of conflict. Ahmad reflects on the complexities of intervention, the pursuit of martyrdom, and a redefined masculinity grounded in humility and compassion. His poignant memories shed light on the costs of war and the enduring impact of brotherhood in adversity.
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Long Detention And Extradition
- Babar Ahmad describes being raided, tortured, detained without charge for over eight years, and extradited to the US before returning in 2015.
- He links his later legal ordeal to his earlier Bosnia and Chechnya activism and running Azzam Publications.
Firsthand Exposure Spurs Action
- Seeing footage and reports of atrocities motivated Babar Ahmad, then 18, to travel to Bosnia and not remain passive.
- He contrasted witnessing atrocities firsthand with passive consumption of news and felt compelled to act.
Entering Bosnia And Seeing Destruction
- On arrival he saw refugee centers and destroyed mosques, which made the crisis feel immediate and personal.
- He joined relief convoys and later entered Bosnia with fighters to reach besieged towns like Travnik and Mostar.
