Blasphemy is defined as the act of irreverence towards anything sacred. Blasphemy is a crime in many countries. In some, it is punishable by death. As a concept, the criminalisation of blasphemy is diametrically opposite to the ideal of free speech and thought.

While blasphemy is a crime in many countries, in most it is just a misdemeanour. This page is only concerned with countries whose legal systems enable life-altering punishments for blasphemy.  These countries are in gross violation of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

• Article 18:  Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
• Article 19: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.