Freedom Oriented Criticism of the Blasphemous Speech

The publication of the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad – peace is upon him- triggered widespread debates across the world over the freedom of expression and its legitimate scope.
Advocates of the blasphemous speech in Western context invoke the freedom of speech, contending that the right to free speech extends beyond the right to insult, including offend religious beliefs. In contrast to this vision, Human Rights Law prohibits insulting remarks and blasphemous speech again. The Human Rights is based on a hierarchy regime and within this hierarchical system the freedom of religion occupies the higher level in comparison with the freedom of expression. Therefore, no expression can intervene the freedom of having religious beliefs. From this viewpoint, it is justified to impose limitation on speeches that insult the believers of a religion.