Farahnaz Ispahani, RFI Senior Fellow, author, and former Pakistani member of Parliament, recently co-authored a piece for RealClear Religion titled, “Nigeria is Following Pakistan on Blasphemy and Mob Violence.” Ispahani writes:

Pakistan sees more mob killings related to blasphemy allegations than any country in the world. Joining them as one of the worst countries for such attacks is Nigeria, according to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. But while the U.S. sanctions Pakistan as one of the worst violators of religious freedom, Nigeria inexplicably had similar sanctions lifted in December 2021.

Open Doors’ World Watch List tracks the worst places in the world to be a Christian and, often, any other religious minority. Pakistan was ranked the 8th worst country, in large part because of its blasphemy laws and the mob violence they inspire against Christians, Hindus, and others. But edging out Pakistan for the first time this year? Nigeria at 7th place.

Nigeria sees more Christians killed for their faith than any other country – at least 4,650 in 2021 and nearly 900 in the first three months of 2022. The Nigerian government often claims that it simply does not have the resources to combat widespread terrorism, violence, and kidnappings. But it has less excuse when it comes to mob violence committed against alleged blasphemers.

Read the full article: Nigeria Is Following Pakistan on Blasphemy and Mob Violence