Blasphemy law

These cases and others where freedom of speech is being challenged by Poland's harsh criminal code sometimes make the international news.

An overhaul of the penal code by the conservative government foresees tougher penalties for migrant trafficking, rape and child abuse, as well as the reinstatement of penalties for blasphemy, according to statements by Justice Minister Costas Tsiaras before a parliamentary committee.  

A Christian woman acquitted after eight years on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy was released but her whereabouts in Islamabad on Thursday remained a closely guarded secret in the wake of demands by radical Islamists that she be publicly executed.

Now towering over this violent port city in Pakistan, where Islamic militant attacks and gangland shootings remain common, is an uncommon sight in this Muslim-majority country: a 42-meter (140-foot) Christian cross.
     

The number of websites blocked in Turkey is approaching 68,000 with the recent addition of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo?s official site, as well as specific pages from the country?s most popular Internet forums. 

Article 24 of the Turkish Constitution states: ?Everyone has the freedom of conscience, religious belief and conviction.? 

In theory, the article covers the fundamental rights of each and every citizen. In reality, it gives no rights to atheists or non-believers, and very little to those who do not belong to the Sunni Muslim majority.

There is no doubt that the attack on Charlie Hebdo is a cruel crime that all people of all faiths should condemn. I, for my part, denounce the cold-blooded murderers who apparently acted in the name of my faith, Islam, but violated one of its core principles: The sanctity of human life.