Censorship is the first line of defense for orthodoxy, and fighting it is essential to the health of a free society.
One of the most common undercurrents of repressive Islamic regimes is speech control. States’ constitutions may theoretically guarantee freedom of expression, but in practice, most Islamic nations impose broad exceptions to this rule. Restrictions target religious and political dissent alike.
Of particular concern in the digital age is the weaponization of social media. Ideally a tool to facilitate the free flow of ideas, social media content is routinely subject to regime-imposed blocks in Muslim-majority countries, often with the cooperation of the companies themselves. Meanwhile, special laws enacted in these countries in the last decade have singled out online speech for prosecution—often under the false pretense of controlling misinformation and hate speech, sometimes more explicitly stating the aim to curb political and religious dissent.
Globally, social media companies enforce their guidelines in problematic ways, in some cases discouraging an atmosphere of free expression. Ex-Muslims in particular are affected by this. Algorithmic responses to community violations are frequently abused with targeted reporting campaigns, and community standards recently implemented by Facebook provide that content attacking “ideas” and “concepts” can be subject to removal under certain circumstances.
These conditions pose a threat to the principle that one should be always free to express oneself openly—a principle vital for ex-Muslims’ ability to live free from fear and persecution.
Another Week, Another “Honor” Killing
This week’s stories reveal how religion is still used to justify violence—often within families, often against women, and too often met with silence.
Unbelief Brief
Ready For Your Updates?
This week’s Unbelief Brief dives into the dark undercurrents of “honor” and control—both abroad and at home. EXMNA Insights also examines the religious reasoning behind cousin marriages in Muslim societies. Plus, a heads-up for our Denver readers: Saudi activist Jasmin Faulk is speaking out about Western complicity in propping up extremist narratives. Don’t miss it!
Unbelief Brief
Your Updates Are Here
This week in the Unbelief Brief we cover India’s latest “anti-sacrilege” bill, as well as a Washington state trial of parents accused of an attempted honor killing. And on our Persecution Tracker, we’ve provided updates on cases in Turkey and Pakistan.
Unbelief Brief
We’re Back
This week, we examine two stories at the intersection of free expression, human rights, and accountability. In the UK, the government’s revived push to define “Islamophobia” threatens to conflate legitimate criticism of Islam with bigotry against Muslims—an alarming precedent for free speech. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Taliban leaders over their persecution of Afghan women, though the move is unlikely to bring justice. Below, we unpack both developments and what they signal for the future.
Unbelief Brief
It’s Great To Have You Back
This week’s Unbelief Brief takes a hard look at the fallout from the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel. While war has been narrowly avoided, the path forward for the Islamic Republic remains murky. With regime change chatter fading and American force on full display, Iran’s leaders face a choice: escalate further or turn inward. Meanwhile, as Pride Month concludes, our EXMNA Insights examines the Islamic roots of anti-LGBTQ+ persecution—and reaffirms our commitment to those forced to live in fear for simply being themselves.
Unbelief Brief
Welcome
This week, we reflect on the tragic story of Shakil Ahmed, a young Bangladeshi student reportedly driven to suicide after a months-old Facebook post deemed offensive to Islam resurfaced—triggering mob threats and public outrage. Meanwhile in Pakistan, modest legal progress on child marriage faced fierce resistance from Islamic clerics defending the Prophet’s own example. And a new Human Rights Watch report details how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws continue to be weaponized against the poor and marginalized.
Unbelief Brief
Welcome to Our Latest Issue
Welcome! This week’s newsletter explores a fortuitous Supreme Court deadlock in favor of secularism in Oklahoma, alarming death threats by a UK imam, and the unwavering bravery of Iranian women defying the hijab mandate despite intensifying state crackdowns.
Unbelief Brief
Welcome, Blasphemers
This week, the Unbelief Brief discusses Iran’s flamboyant pop provocateur, Tataloo. He now finds himself at the mercy of the same regime he once championed, a chilling reminder that conformity offers no real safety in theocratic systems. Meanwhile, Salman Rushdie’s attempted killer has finally been sentenced, though justice remains bittersweet.
Welcome to This Week’s Dissent Dispatch
Religious belief may be waning across much of the Western world, but America remains stubbornly devout. Meanwhile, in Britain, Qur’an-burning has nearly become a theological crime—until prosecutors recently walked back an alarming charge against protestor Hamit Coskun. And in Belgium, a misguided headscarf ban risks trading one kind of coercion for another. Plus: it’s your last chance to enter our 2nd Annual Draw Muhammad Day Contest—details below.
