Rights groups disappointed as Indonesia upholds blasphemy law

April 22, 2010

In an 8-1 decision, Indonesia’s Constitutional Court upheld the nation’s anti-blasphemy law on April 19. Such laws have been used to persecute Christians alleged to have blasphemed Mohammed.

Human rights and religious freedom advocates criticized the decision. “The blasphemy law criminalizes the peaceful expression of certain religious beliefs,” said a Human Rights Watch official. “It hangs like a Sword of Damocles over the heads of religious minorities and those who practice traditional religions.”

 

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Further information:

• Indonesia Upholds Religious Blasphemy Law (Vatican Radio)
• Rights, Freedom Groups Urge Indonesia Gov't to Repeal Blasphemy Law (Christian Post)