Many Islamic and Muslim-majority nations impose brutal punishments for apostasy and blasphemy. Reports of Muslims and non-Muslims being sentenced to years in prison and even death are increasingly becoming common in the media. Do these laws affect only Muslim societies? Should it be an international concern? Asking these questions, and others surrounding these codes, The Diplomat interviewed Dr. Paul Marshall, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Religious Freedom of the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C., in the United States.

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Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) from Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 (USVRON 3) operate remotely in San Diego Bay on May 15, 2024, ahead of the unit’s establishment ceremony. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Claire M. DuBois)