If you believe in freedom of speech and in free independent press it is plain to see how so called ‘blasphemy’ laws get in the way of free speech and a free press. I, for one, am a firm believer in free speech and the right to critique religious doctrine, scriptures, individuals, groups and practices and using demonstrably FACTUAL information from history and current events, debunk, call into question or satire their beliefs, many of which are bat shit crazy, demonstrably false, and have long done great harm to individuals and society as a whole.

https://www.uscirf.gov/publication/violating-rights-enforcing-worlds-blasphemy-laws

Freedom of speech and a free independent press are both pillars of a strong and healthy democracy.

If you believe in freedom of religion, which i view as a necessary ‘evil’ of sorts, because it basically assert the rights of individuals to be evidently and demonstrably delusional and the rights of parent and communities to indoctrinate their children into belief in such delusions, which does cause great harm, then one must also advocate for the right of individuals to be areligious and in favour of espousing and relaying objective and empirical truths of nature.

Case in point 1: Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, mathematician, poet, and cosmological theorist. He’s known for his bold and unconventional ideas, which often challenged the established views of his time.

Key Contributions
1. Cosmology: Bruno proposed a heliocentric model, where the Sun is at the center of the universe, and the Earth and other planets orbit around it. This idea was revolutionary for its time.
2. Infinity of the Universe: Bruno believed that the universe is infinite, with an infinite number of worlds, and that these worlds are inhabited by intelligent beings.
3. Pantheism: Bruno’s philosophical views were pantheistic, meaning he believed that God or a divine reality is present in all things, and that the universe is a manifestation of this divine reality.

Persecution and Execution
Bruno’s unconventional ideas didn’t go unnoticed by the authorities. He was arrested by the Roman Inquisition in 1593 and put on trial for heresy. After a lengthy trial, Bruno was convicted and sentenced to death by burning at the stake. He was executed on February 17, 1600, in Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori.

Legacy
Despite his tragic end, Giordano Bruno’s ideas had a significant impact on the development of modern thought. He’s considered a pioneer of free thought, and his cosmological theories influenced later scientists, such as Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.

Bruno’s legacy extends beyond science and philosophy, too. He’s become a symbol of intellectual freedom, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge, inspiring countless artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history.

Case in point 2: Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was a renowned Italian astronomer, physicist, and mathematician who faced significant religious persecution for his scientific views.

Background
Galileo’s support for the Copernican heliocentric model, which placed the Sun at the center of the universe, challenged the geocentric model supported by the Catholic Church. This led to a conflict between Galileo and the Church.

Key Events
1. 1616: Warning from the Church: Galileo was summoned to Rome and warned by Cardinal Bellarmine not to promote the Copernican theory.
2. 1632: Publication of “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems”: Galileo published a book comparing the Copernican and geocentric models. The book was seen as a challenge to the Church’s authority.
3. 1633: Trial and Condemnation: Galileo was put on trial by the Roman Inquisition, found guilty of heresy, and sentenced to house arrest for the remainder of his life.

Consequences
Galileo’s persecution had significant consequences:

1. Suppression of Scientific Ideas: The Church’s actions discouraged scientists from exploring and promoting new ideas that challenged traditional views.
2. Galileo’s Later Life: Galileo remained under house arrest until his death in 1642. Despite this, he continued to work on his scientific theories.
3. Legacy: Galileo’s persecution became a symbol of the conflict between science and religion. His legacy has inspired countless scientists and thinkers throughout history.

Rehabilitation
In 1992, the Catholic Church officially apologized for its treatment of Galileo, acknowledging that he was correct in his support for the Copernican theory. This marked a significant shift in the Church’s stance on scientific inquiry and its relationship with religion.

Case in point 3: Salman Rushdie, a British-Indian novelist and essayist, faced severe religious persecution following the publication of his novel “The Satanic Verses” in 1988.

Events Leading to the Persecution
1. Publication of “The Satanic Verses”: The novel explores themes of identity, culture, and religion, including a fictionalized account of the Prophet Muhammad.
2. Protests and Outrage: Muslim communities worldwide protested the book’s perceived blasphemy, leading to violent demonstrations and book burnings.

Key Incidents and Consequences
1. Iranian Fatwa (1989): Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran’s Supreme Leader, issued a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s assassination. The fatwa was backed by a $3 million bounty.
2. Assassination Attempts and Security Measures: Rushdie faced multiple assassination attempts, and he was forced into hiding under police protection.
3. Impact on Freedom of Speech: The Rushdie affair sparked intense debates about freedom of speech, censorship, and the limits of artistic expression.

Legacy and Reconciliation
1. Continued Controversy: Despite the passage of time, “The Satanic Verses” remains a contentious issue, with some Muslim communities continuing to condemn the book.
2. Rushdie’s Resilience: Rushdie has continued to write and speak out on issues of freedom of expression, despite the ongoing threats and controversy.
3. Reconciliation Efforts: In recent years, there have been efforts to promote dialogue and understanding between Rushdie and Muslim communities, including a 2012 statement by Rushdie acknowledging the hurt caused by his book.

Case in point 4:

Charlie Hebdo Massacre Outline
I. Background
1. Charlie Hebdo: French satirical weekly newspaper known for provocative cartoons and articles.
2. History of controversy: Previously published cartoons of Prophet Muhammad, sparking outrage and threats.

II. The Attack
1. Date: January 7, 2015
2. Location: Charlie Hebdo’s office, Paris, France
3. Perpetrators: Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, French brothers of Algerian descent
4. Method: Masked gunmen stormed the office, shooting and killing 12 people, including:
– Stéphane Charbonnier (editor)
– Jean Cabut (cartoonist)
– Georges Wolinski (cartoonist)
– Bernard Verlhac (cartoonist)
5. Injuries: 11 people injured

III. Aftermath
1. Manhunt: Police launched a massive manhunt for the Kouachi brothers.
2. Siege: Brothers took hostages at a kosher supermarket in Paris, leading to a standoff with police.
3. Death of perpetrators: Both brothers killed by police during separate sieges.
4. Global reactions: Widespread condemnation, solidarity rallies, and debates on free speech and terrorism.

IV. Impact and Legacy
1. Free speech debates: Renewed discussions on balancing free expression with cultural sensitivity.
2. Terrorism concerns: Increased focus on counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence sharing.
3. Charlie Hebdo’s continued publication: Magazine continued to publish, with a special issue released after the attack.
4. Memorials and tributes: Permanent memorial in Paris, and tributes worldwide to honor the victims.

Case in point 5: The Danish cartoon controversy, also known as the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.

Danish Cartoon Controversy
Background
1. Publication: On September 30, 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published 12 editorial cartoons, including some depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
2. Intention: The cartoons aimed to spark debate about free speech, self-censorship, and Islam’s place in Danish society.

Reactions and Consequences
1. Initial Protests: Local Muslim groups protested, but the controversy initially remained relatively contained.
2. Escalation: In December 2005, a delegation of Danish imams traveled to the Middle East, presenting the cartoons as evidence of widespread anti-Muslim sentiment in Denmark. This sparked international outrage.
3. Violent Protests: Demonstrations turned violent in countries like Pakistan, Lebanon, and Syria, resulting in property damage, injuries, and deaths.
4. Death Threats: Cartoonists and Jyllands-Posten staff received death threats, leading to increased security measures.
5. Kurt Westergaard Attack: In 2010, cartoonist Kurt Westergaard was attacked in his home by a Somali man wielding an axe.

Legacy and Impact
1. Free Speech Debates: The controversy reignited discussions on free speech, cultural sensitivity, and the limits of artistic expression.
2. Increased Security: The incident led to increased security measures for cartoonists, writers, and artists deemed at risk of extremist attacks.
3. Ongoing Tensions: The controversy left a lasting impact on relations between Denmark and Muslim-majority countries, as well as on the global debate about free speech and Islam.

Question: do the majority of Muslims support blasphemy laws?

According to various surveys and studies, a significant majority of Muslims support blasphemy laws. However, it’s essential to note that the level of support can vary greatly depending on the country, culture, and individual perspectives.

Pew Research Center Survey (2011-2012)
A Pew Research Center survey of 39 countries found that:

1. Majority support: In 25 of the 39 countries surveyed, more than 50% of Muslims supported making blasphemy a criminal offense.
2. High support: Countries with high levels of support (75% or higher) included:
1. Pakistan (87%)
2. Egypt (79%)
3. Jordan (76%)
4. Indonesia (75%)

Other Surveys and Studies
1. A 2019 survey by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change found that 69% of Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa believed that blasphemy should be punished by law.
2. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Comparative Politics found that support for blasphemy laws was higher among Muslims who:

1. Identified strongly with their faith
2. Had lower levels of education
3. Lived in countries with stricter blasphemy laws

Important Considerations
1. Diverse perspectives: While a majority of Muslims may support blasphemy laws, there are also many Muslims who oppose such laws and advocate for greater freedom of expression.
2. Contextual factors: Support for blasphemy laws can be influenced by various contextual factors, such as cultural norms, historical experiences, and political environments.
3. Evolution of attitudes: Attitudes towards blasphemy laws can evolve over time, influenced by factors like education, globalization, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, while a significant majority of Muslims in several countries support blasphemy laws, it’s essential to acknowledge the diversity of perspectives within the Muslim world and the complex contextual factors that influence attitudes towards blasphemy laws.

Question: what percentage of Christians support blasphemy laws?

It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage of Christians who support blasphemy laws, as there isn’t a single, definitive survey or study on this topic. However, I can provide some context and insights.

Many Christian organizations and leaders have spoken out against blasphemy laws, arguing that they are often misused to persecute religious minorities, including Christians. For example, Christians in Pakistan have been vocal about the need to repeal the country’s blasphemy laws, which have been used to target Christians and other minorities.

In fact, a report by the Pew Research Center found that 40 percent of countries worldwide have laws or policies banning blasphemy, which can be used to restrict religious freedom and persecute minorities.

While there may not be a single percentage that represents the views of all Christians on blasphemy laws, it’s clear that many Christian organizations and leaders are opposed to such laws and advocate for greater religious freedom and tolerance.

Question: what religious group is currently most likely to impose limits on freedom of speech and violent retribution for thinking and speaking freely?

The religious group most likely to impose limits on freedom of speech and violent retribution for thinking and speaking freely is?

Islamist Extremists
Specifically, some extremist interpretations of Islam have been linked to violence and intimidation against individuals who express dissenting views, criticize Islamic doctrine, or engage in activities deemed blasphemous.

Examples of Restrictions and Violence
1. Blasphemy laws: Some Muslim-majority countries have laws that criminalize blasphemy, often with severe penalties, including death.
2. Fatwas and online harassment: Extremist groups and individuals have issued fatwas (religious edicts) calling for violence against specific individuals, such as Salman Rushdie, Charlie Hebdo cartoonists, and others deemed to have insulted Islam.
3. Violent attacks: There have been numerous violent attacks on individuals and groups perceived to have insulted Islam, including the 2015 Charlie Hebdo shooting in Paris and the 2016 murder of Bangladeshi secular blogger Avijit Roy.

Important Note
It’s essential to emphasize that not ALL Muslims or Islamic interpretations support or condone violence and restrictions on freedom of speech. Many Muslims and Islamic scholars actively promote tolerance, free expression, and peaceful coexistence.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the ongoing threat posed by extremist interpretations of Islam to freedom of speech and the safety of individuals who express dissenting views.

Question: what are some other stark examples of blasphemy laws being used to chill or punish free speech?

Here are some stark examples of blasphemy laws being used to chill or punish free speech:

Asia
1. Pakistan: Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, was sentenced to death for allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad in 2009. She was acquitted in 2018, but not before spending eight years on death row.
2. Indonesia: In 2017, Jakarta’s Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, was sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy after making comments about the Quran.

Middle East
1. Saudi Arabia: In 2014, Raif Badawi, a Saudi blogger, was sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison for “insulting Islam” on his blog.
2. Iran: In 2019, Iranian authorities arrested and sentenced several individuals to prison for “blasphemy” and “insulting Islamic sanctities” on social media.

Africa
1. Nigeria: In 2020, a Sharia court in northern Nigeria sentenced a musician to death for blasphemy after he released a song deemed insulting to the Prophet Muhammad.
2. Egypt: In 2018, an Egyptian court sentenced a Coptic Christian to three years in prison for blasphemy after he shared a video on social media deemed insulting to Islam.

Europe
1. Greece: In 2012, a Greek court sentenced a man to 10 months in prison for blasphemy after he created a Facebook page deemed insulting to Orthodox Christianity.
2. Ireland: In 2019, an Irish court dropped blasphemy charges against comedian Stephen Fry after he made comments about God on a TV show.

These examples illustrate the chilling effect of blasphemy laws on free speech, as well as the often-harsh punishments meted out to those deemed to have insulted a particular religion or its symbols.

Case in point 6: The murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi Arabian journalist and dissident. There is strong evidence to suggest that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was involved in Khashoggi’s murder.

Background
Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent journalist and critic of the Saudi government, went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017. He continued to write columns for The Washington Post, criticizing the Saudi government and MBS.

The Murder
On October 2, 2018, Khashoggi visited the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, to obtain documents related to his upcoming marriage. He was never seen leaving the consulate.

Investigation and Evidence
Turkish authorities launched an investigation and found evidence that Khashoggi was murdered inside the consulate. The evidence included:

1. Audio recordings: Turkish officials claimed to have audio recordings of Khashoggi’s murder, which they shared with US and other Western officials.
2. Surveillance footage: Turkish authorities released surveillance footage showing a team of Saudi agents arriving at the consulate on the day of Khashoggi’s murder.
3. Forensic evidence: Turkish investigators found traces of Khashoggi’s blood and DNA inside the consulate.

Saudi Arabia’s Response
Initially, Saudi Arabia denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s disappearance. However, as evidence mounted, the Saudi government eventually acknowledged that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, but claimed it was a “rogue operation” carried out by a team of agents who acted without official authorization.

International Response
The international community widely condemned Khashoggi’s murder, with many countries, including the US, imposing sanctions on Saudi officials and entities. The incident strained relations between Saudi Arabia and many Western countries, and raised questions about the role of MBS in the murder.

Conclusion
While the exact details of Khashoggi’s murder may never be fully known, the evidence suggests that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the operation. The incident highlights the risks faced by journalists and dissidents who criticize authoritarian governments, and the need for accountability and transparency in such cases.

I rest my case (for now)…stay tuned for future bulletins!