Independent report

Understanding and responding to blasphemy extremism

This paper explores anti-blasphemy activism in the UK, its networks and international influences, and looks at 3 flashpoint incidents.

From:
Commission for Countering Extremism
Published
11 March 2024

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Understanding and Responding to Blasphemy Extremism in the UK (accessible)

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Understanding and Responding to Blasphemy Extremism in the UK

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Details

Anti-blasphemy activism in the UK is increasingly organised and radicalised. It is having significant impacts on those affected by it, with some members of the public fearful for their lives.

This paper, independently commissioned by the Commission for Countering Extremism, highlights how certain key groups and activists operate.

The key findings are that:

  • anti-blasphemy activism in the UK is focused on 2 key issues: the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and non-Muslims who insult Islam
  • a new generation of UK-based anti-blasphemy activists are aspiring to make blasphemy a central concern for British Muslims
  • Tehreek-e-Labbaik - an anti-blasphemy political party in Pakistan - appears to be developing a UK presence
  • Islamist terrorist groups continue to call for violent reprisals for instances of blasphemy

Updates to this page

Published 11 March 2024

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