Martyr: Louis Antoine Smith (UK)

Blasphemy charge: Mocking religion

Punishment:

• Pubic humiliation
• Public repentance for his transgressions
• Banishment from professional sports for two months

This month’s martyrdom is particularly egregious. Louis Smith is a medalled Olympian and a holder of the dubiously prestigious Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). However, nary sports acclaim nor an imperial badge can provide enough amour against today’s blasphemy laws. Those without such honours watch out; at least for Mr. Smith no police or courts were involved. Yet.

Our faith is not to be mocked, our faith is to be celebrated. [Mohammed Shafiq; Ramadan Foundation]

Spectator, Brendan O’Neill; ‘Je suis Louis Smith: why we must be free to mock Islam‘