The issue of free speech versus blasphemy is currently subject to much debate in the atheist community. While attempts by various UK student unions to restrict the free speech of atheist groups demands a serious response, the danger faced by those who question religion in the Western world is mild compared to that faced by individuals living under theocratic governments, and none more so than those living in majority Islamic regimes. The recent arrest of Indonesian atheist Alexander Aan and the nine-month jail sentence served by Palestinian atheist Walid Husayin—both for “insulting Islam”—happened in countries on the liberal end of the Islamic religious spectrum.
In the more conservative Islamic states, things are taken altogether more seriously. It is not even necessary to declare yourself an atheist to bring down the wrath of the righteous—merely posing questions about religion can be sufficient.
One such incident currently hitting the news involves Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgiri, who is a Muslim, but one who made the fatal mistake of not showing enough deference to his religion in some Twitter posts.

- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (3)
"It is pointless to support only free speech for people who agree with you. It is not only unprincipled to want that, but also self-defeating. For your own sake, you need to know how other people think."
-- Christopher Hitchens
If the Western intelligentsia and religious moderates takes notice of this at all, it will be to excoriate the "bigotry" and "provocation" by the atheists, and to call for restrictions on the freedom of speech to guard against "denigration of religion." No one will call on the Muslim community to stop reacting with violence to skepticism and criticism, but to accept the fact that in a pluralistic society, some people will do things to which they object, and the proper response is genuine tolerance, not arson, be-headings, jihad and riots. ~ Jihad watch
- 2 votes
What's happening to Aan and other skeptics around the world is a tragedy. I had one poster here on NV say they would be in favor of having blasphemy laws there in the States. It's a dangerous mindset to say the least.
btw: There is an online petition to free Aan.
- 2 votes
I read that, he turned of the comments. Stifling free speech is what prompted me to seed this frightening article. I still feel this is religions last stand. In other words they will be joining Zeus in the mass grave of mythology.
- 1 vote
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |



