Blasphemy Laws: 12 Countries Where You Can Be Executed for Beliefs

Last updated: 5 October 2026

Photo: United Nations - eGuide Travel

Blasphemy laws worldwide remain on the statute books in dozens of countries. In 12 of them, the maximum penalty for blasphemy is death. Pakistan's Section 295-C, Iran's Article 263 of the Islamic Penal Code, Saudi Arabia's interpretation of Sharia law, and similar provisions in Afghanistan, Mauritania, Brunei, Somalia, parts of Nigeria, and several other states permit the death penalty for those convicted of insulting religion. Furthermore, where formal capital sentences are not imposed, mob violence frequently kills accused individuals before any trial. This article surveys the 12 countries where blasphemy can lead to execution, the legal frameworks involved, and the asylum implications for religious dissidents.[1]

For broader human rights context, see the human rights section. For Pakistan-specific blasphemy analysis, see the article on Pakistan's blasphemy law.

The International Standard

Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Article 19 protects freedom of expression. The UN Human Rights Committee has stated that blasphemy laws are incompatible with the ICCPR except in narrow circumstances. Furthermore, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief has repeatedly called for the repeal of blasphemy laws worldwide.[2]

Why blasphemy laws violate human rights standards

Blasphemy laws violate several human rights principles. They privilege one religion over others (violating equality and non-discrimination). They criminalise belief and expression (violating Articles 18 and 19 ICCPR). They create vulnerability for religious minorities and non-believers (creating discrimination). Furthermore, in practice, they are often used as tools of personal vengeance, property disputes, and political repression rather than for any genuine religious protection.

The 12 Countries Where Blasphemy Carries the Death Penalty

The following twelve countries provide for the death penalty for blasphemy or closely related offences such as apostasy and "insulting religion".[3]

Pakistan: The Paradigm Case

Pakistan's Section 295-C of the Penal Code makes "use of derogatory remarks etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet" punishable by death — and only by death following the 1991 Federal Shariat Court ruling that life imprisonment was unconstitutional. The provision has been used against hundreds of individuals. Many have been killed by mobs before trial; others have spent years in prison before exoneration. Lawyers defending blasphemy cases have themselves been assassinated.[4]

Iran: Apostasy and "Corruption on Earth"

Iran's Islamic Penal Code provides for the death penalty for apostasy (under judicial interpretation rather than explicit codification) and for "insulting the Prophet" (Article 262-263). Furthermore, the broader provision of Article 286 (corruption on earth — mofsed-e-filarz) has been used against religious dissidents. The post-2022 protest crackdowns have included executions of individuals charged under Article 286 in connection with anti-regime activity that had religious overtones.[5]

Afghanistan Under the Taliban

Since the Taliban's August 2021 return to power, Afghanistan has applied its interpretation of Sharia law. The 2024 Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice formally codified many of these provisions. Apostasy and blasphemy are punishable by death under the Taliban's interpretation. Furthermore, the application is summary and often occurs without formal trial.[6]

Asylum Implications

Persons accused of blasphemy in any of the 12 countries above have strong asylum claims. The Convention ground is religion. Furthermore, where the accused is a non-believer, atheist, or member of a religious minority, race or PSG grounds may also apply. Many cases also engage Article 3 ECHR risk and CAT protection given the documented use of torture and the death penalty.[7]

Blasphemy laws criminalise the human right to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression. States with such laws must repeal or radically reform them in order to comply with international human rights standards.
UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Annual Report (2024)

Evidence for Blasphemy Asylum Cases

• FIR or court documents: Where a formal accusation has been made.
• Country expert report: Profile-matched analysis of the legal framework and enforcement patterns.
• Personal narrative: The accusation, the response, and the threats received.
• Family and community statements: Confirming the accusation and ongoing risk.
• Mob violence documentation: Where applicable, evidence of mob attacks against the family.
• Medico-legal report: Where torture or violence has occurred.

Conclusion

Blasphemy laws worldwide criminalise belief and expression. In 12 countries, the death penalty applies. Pakistan's Section 295-C, Iran's Articles 262-263 and 286, and Saudi Arabia's Sharia interpretation are the most active. Furthermore, mob violence frequently kills the accused before any formal trial. For asylum lawyers, blasphemy accusations from any of these countries produce strong religion-grounded asylum claims that should be supported by profile-matched country expert evidence. To commission such a report, use the find expert witness service. For broader context, see the human rights section.