Freedom & human rights

Mauritania: Student Charged with Blasphemy Over Exam Paper

JUL 28 2023·Updated AUG 27

Story

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

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.
BBC News
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."
Barrons
While specific details of what she was alleged to have written were not released, the content of her exam paper during the test on religious education was promptly deemed blasphemous.
DayFR Euro
If found guilty, the student — who was reportedly arrested on July 18 in the town of Atar — faces the death penalty, as blasphemy is punishable by execution with no possibility of appeal.
NNN
However, the student's family has claimed she's suffered from mental health issues and should be pardoned.
Techly360.in
Despite her relatives' comments, it us unlikely the student will be eligible for pardon, as Mauritania recently amended its blasphemy laws to omit a clause that previously allowed offenders to avoid the death penalty if they expressed remorse.
MyJoyOnline

Sources Split

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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.

Los Angeles Times

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.

Al Jazeera