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

Documents

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

HTML

Understanding and Responding to Blasphemy Extremism in the UK

PDF, 391 KB, 37 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email [email protected]. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

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

Published 11 March 2024