blasphemy
Marvel Comics’ less than marvelous Muslim mix-up
By Kimberly Winston — April 12, 2017
(RNS) New comic book was supposed to revive X-Men series. Instead, it stirred up religious controversy.
Pakistan threatens to ‘punish’ Facebook, other firms over blasphemy
By Reuters — March 23, 2017
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) Pakistan's government wants social media networks to remove material deemed insulting to Islam or the Prophet Muhammad, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last week warned that those posting such content would be 'strictly punished.'
Indonesia Islamists urge ouster of Christian governor accused of blasphemy
By Reuters — February 20, 2017
(Reuters) More protests are planned against the governor, who is is running for re-election in a contest widely seen as a proxy battle for the next presidential election.
Pakistan bans famed religious TV host for hurling blasphemy allegations
By Reuters — January 26, 2017
(Reuters) An accusation of blasphemy in Pakistan is often tantamount to a death sentence.
Indonesia court to proceed with blasphemy trial of Jakarta’s governor
By guest — December 27, 2016
(REUTERS) Jakarta's Christian governor is accused of insulting the Quran.
Jordanian writer shot dead outside court before trial over cartoon
By Jerome Socolovsky — September 25, 2016
AMMAN, Jordan (Reuters) -- A gunman shot dead Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar outside the court where he was to stand trial on charges of contempt of religion after sharing on social media a caricature seen as insulting Islam.
Malaysian rapper held over music video said to insult Islam
By Jerome Socolovsky — August 23, 2016
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Malaysian authorities remanded a rapper in custody for four days on Monday over a music video he produced that allegedly insulted Islam.
Religious freedom seriously lacking for three-fourths of world’s population, ambassador says
By Adelle M. Banks — August 10, 2016
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.
Pakistani man charged with blasphemy over shoes with Hindu symbol
By RNS staff — June 21, 2016
(Reuters) Pakistani rights groups say Hindus are often at risk of discrimination and hate crimes, including forced conversions and economic discrimination.
Why I despair over Pakistan’s intractable blasphemy laws (COMMENTARY)
By Kimberly Winston — March 28, 2016
(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.
Egyptian minister sacked after saying he would jail Prophet Muhammad
By Reuters — March 15, 2016
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.
Slain Pakistani Christian’s brother campaigns against blasphemy law
By Rosie Scammell — January 13, 2016
ROME (RNS) On March 2, 2011, Shahbaz Bhatti was assassinated by a militant group that called him “a blasphemer.”
Pakistan Christian TV station is back, after suspicious fire
By Tanveer Ali — December 17, 2015
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.
Kardashian pope * Kim Davis * Beef party : September’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — October 2, 2015
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.
Why repealing blasphemy laws might help promote religious freedom (ANALYSIS)
By Brandon G. Withrow — September 29, 2015
(RNS) Among those countries frequently cited by human rights groups with the most aggressive laws banning free expression are China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
