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Protesters raise the Quran during the demonstration against Quran burning In Sweden
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

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
Shehrbano Naqvi, Pakistani police officer

Pakistan: Officer Shehrbano Naqvi retells 'blasphemy' rescue

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

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
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

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
Malaysia Protest against Quran burning in the Netherlands

EU image suffers in Malaysia, Indonesia over Quran burning

The EU's attempts to bolster free speech in parts of Asia have taken another setback over Quran desecration in the bloc.
PoliticsAugust 14, 2023
A casually dressed young man standing in front of an orange building, holding a Quran aloft and speaking into a megaphone. Another man carrying two Swedish flags stands in front of him, filming.

Quran burning: How much blasphemy is allowed in Europe?

Freedom of expression is seen as a key pillar of democracy. But to what extent is it acceptable in Europe to mock God?
Freedom of SpeechJuly 22, 2023