Iran hangs 2 in rare blasphemy case as executions surge
NBCMay 10, 2023
The Facts
A Mauritanian high school student has been arrested and charged with blasphemy over a mock exam paper that allegedly disrespected the Prophet Muhammad, the public prosecutor's office said on Thursday.
The 19-year-old woman was remanded in custody on Wednesday for "disrespect and mockery of the Prophet," and using social media to "undermine the holy values of Islam."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Draconian, anachronistic blasphemy laws are often used to persecute a country's religious minorities and settle personal vendettas against political opponents. Imprisoning and killing those who question the dominant religion is not a move toward tolerance. It's wrong to disrespect others' beliefs, but executions will never make believers out of dissenters.
Establishment-critical narrative
Mauritania cannot remain a mute spectator if so-called atheists show a complete lack of respect for the country's blasphemy laws. Anyone disregarding or disobeying the state's religion and the Prophet Muhammad is a criminal under domestic legislation. The government is entitled to execute any anti-Islamic propagandists seeking to organize anti-religious activities, or those who blaspheme the country's culture and religion.