The legal conflict of free speech and capital punishment: Apostasy and Blasphemy

This study examines the global tension between freedom of expression and blasphemy laws. While social media fuels debates on secular values and religious sensitivities, restrictive laws in nearly 70 countries criminalize blasphemy and apostasy, with penalties including imprisonment and death. International efforts, led by the UN, call for abolishing such penalties for non-violent offenses, yet seven countries still enforce the death penalty for blasphemy. Europe has largely decriminalized blasphemy, with nations like Ireland and England repealing such laws, though some states retain penalties for offending religious sentiments. These laws often politicize faith, suppress dissent, and target minorities, violating human rights. The study concludes that abolishing blasphemy laws is vital to protecting freedom of expression and fostering global tolerance. Keywords: freedom of expression; religion; violence; death penalty.