WASHINGTON (RNS) Almost a quarter of the world’s countries — in which 74 percent of the world’s population lives — have serious restrictions on religious freedom, said the ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

(Reuters) Pakistani rights groups say Hindus are often at risk of discrimination and hate crimes, including forced conversions and economic discrimination.

(RNS) Before leaving for Pakistan, I thought countries that enforce blasphemy laws would eventually catch up to the rest of the world. Now I’m not so sure.

CAIRO — Ahmed al-Zend, a hard-liner and outspoken critic of the Muslim Brotherhood, had said he would jail the prophet himself if he broke the law.

ROME (RNS) On March 2, 2011, Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated by a militant group that called him “a blasphemer.”

LAHORE, Pakistan (RNS) The station’s equipment was lost in the fire, but the owner says he has borrowed equipment to continue broadcasting concerts, prayers and church services during the busy Christmas season.

Celebrity Pope Francis photobombed selfies on his U.S. album launch tour. Conservative “It Girl” Kim Davis sat in jail and won awards for not doing her job. And India threw a “beef party” to celebrate religious tolerance and protest new meat bans.

(RNS) Among those countries frequently cited by human rights groups with the most aggressive laws banning free expression are China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The Bible and Fifty Shades of Grey share more than a few raunchy sex scenes. On Banned Books Week and International Blasphemy Rights Day, these eight titles are still too hot to handle.

Thailand’s lèse majesté laws shield a deified king from criticism, an outdated monarchy from reform and a military junta from accountability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS) Security is tough at the State Department. But the cookies are sweet.

Corruption, politicians, crime and culture are all regular fixtures but few punchlines mock the powerful military or religion. Pakistani law stipulates blasphemers be put to death.

Cannabis churches are billowing out across America. Chicken huggers are suing to keep ritual bird blood off Brooklyn’s sidewalks. And a South African prophet is being prosecuted for turning congregants into snakes and snakes into chocolate.

Last week’s royal decree, which leaders touted as a shield against religious hatred and discrimination, is already being used as a sword to suppress government critics.

Anti-discrimination laws should protect people. The United Arab Emirates’ new law, issued by royal decree, criminalizes the criticism of religions and ideas. It should be scrapped.