American Atheist Writer and Blogger Avijit Roy Hacked to Death by Jihadist Assassins

Avijit Roy, his wife, Rafida Ahmed Bonna and their daughter (from his Facebook page)

Bangladeshi-born but naturalized American citizen Avijit Roy was hacked to death by Jihadist assassins earlier today in Dacca, the capital of Bangladesh. His wife, who was with him, survived, but lost the fingers of her left hand. The couple had travelled to Bangladesh to attend a book fair that featured two of Dr. Roy's recent books.

Bangladesh has a constitutionally secular government but contains an 85% majority Muslim population and a rising violent Islamist movement. A number of secular writers and bloggers have been threatened recently, with one murdered last year. Dr. Roy was a marked man, and one online Bangladeshi publishing house had recently pulled his books, due to threats.

His Facebook page is filled with shocked comments and tributes. Here are some more Facebook pictures of Dr. Roy and his family:

Avijit Roy loved his family. He also loved the truth. In the end he gave his life for it.

Please pray. Or if not,

Remember.