Creeping Islamic Blasphemy Laws in Europe

There is growing concern about the encroachment of Islamic blasphemy laws in European countries, particularly highlighted by recent arrests in the UK for the burning of the Quran. Two cases, one in Manchester and one in London, have sparked debate about the applicability of hate speech laws to acts that were previously seen as expressions of free speech. The recent swift legal actions against such demonstrations reflect a significant shift in societal norms, suggesting that accusations of blasphemy could become more prevalent under the guise of protecting religious sentiments. Commentators warn that the current trend may lead to a normalization of censorship regarding criticisms of Islam, limiting freedom of expression in public discourse.