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Protesters raise the Quran during the demonstration against Quran burning In Sweden
Image: Loredana Sangiuliano/SOPA/ZUMA/picture alliance Image: Loredana Sangiuliano/SOPA/ZUMA/picture alliance

Blasphemy

Blasphemy refers to an act that insults or shows disrespect to a religion or deity. Though blasphemy laws have been relaxed in parts of Europe, recent Quran desecrations have brought the issue to the fore once more.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Members of the public stand in front of a photograph depicting French history and geography teacher Samuel Paty

France: Trial starts over beheading of teacher Samuel Paty

France: Trial starts over beheading of teacher Samuel Paty

Eight adults are standing trial for their alleged role in the 2020 assassination of the French history teacher.
SocietyNovember 4, 2024
Three Pakistani women wearing hijab sit on a floor in front of microphones

Pakistan: Police blasphemy killings raise new concerns

Pakistan: Police blasphemy killings raise new concerns

Two separate cases of police killing men accused of blasphemy have put a new spotlight on Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
SocietySeptember 26, 2024
Women in masks at a jail in Pakistan

Pakistan: Why are more women being imprisoned?

Pakistan: Why are more women being imprisoned?

Accusations of blasphemy and limited economic opportunities are some of the reasons behind climbing numbers.
PoliticsMarch 19, 2024
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Shehrbano Naqvi, Pakistani police officer

Pakistan: Officer Shehrbano Naqvi retells 'blasphemy' rescue

A video of a young woman surrounded by a mob and facing accusations of blasphemy prompted outrage in Pakistan.
SocietyFebruary 29, 202403:23 min
Tribute to the teacher Samuel Paty at the highschool Theodore de Banville in 2020

Paty murder trial shines a light on France's democracy

A court case on the killing of a teacher in 2020 could provide answers to questions on freedom of expression.
CrimeDecember 7, 2023
Police officials inspect a burnt Salvation Army church in Jaranwala on the outskirts of Faisalabad

How Pakistan's blasphemy laws stir vigilante violence

Following the recent mob violence against Christian minorities, Pakistan's blasphemy laws have come under scrutiny.
ReligionAugust 21, 2023
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