Analysis of the National Assembly's Law Mandating Death Penalty for Blasphemy Convictions

On April 27, 2018, the National Assembly of Mauritania enacted a controversial law that mandates the death penalty for individuals convicted of 'blasphemous speech' and acts considered 'sacrilegious'. This legislative change marks a significant shift in the country's legal framework regarding freedom of expression and religious beliefs. The new law abolishes the previous provision under Article 306, which allowed for the substitution of prison sentences for the death penalty in cases of apostasy if the offender showed prompt repentance. In addition to the death penalty, the law introduces penalties of up to two years in prison and fines reaching 600,000 Ouguiyas (approximately €14,600) for offenses related to 'offending public indecency and Islamic values' or for 'breaching Allah's prohibitions' and aiding in such breaches. This law has raised concerns among human rights advocates and organizations, who argue that it poses a serious threat to freedom of speech and could lead to increased persecution of individuals expressing dissenting views or engaging in religious discourse. The implications of this law are profound, as it not only affects the legal landscape in Mauritania but also reflects broader tensions between religious conservatism and individual rights in the region. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #Mauritania #DeathPenalty #BlasphemyLaw #HumanRights #FreedomOfSpeech