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State Department Criticizes Blasphemy Laws in Muslim Nations
(Washington Post) Carol Morello - Anti-blasphemy laws have led to the imprisonment and death of religious minorities and women, particularly in Muslim countries, the State Department said Wednesday. In its annual religious freedom report, the State Department singled out Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Pakistan and Mauritania as being among the countries where deviating from the religious norm carries harsh penalties. "False accusations, often lodged in pursuit of personal vendettas or for the personal gain of the accuser, are not uncommon. Mob violence as a result of such accusations is disturbingly common," the report said. Iran executed 20 people last year for "enmity against God."