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Abstract

The protection of the religious sanctities of the individual is not of lesser importance than the protection of his physical entity, because of the relation of these sanctities with his cultural and civilizational entity. There is no doubt that the constant increase of prejudice and abuse of these sanctities require the need to provide adequate legal protection for it. It is well known that the individual has the right, in principle, to choose freely his religious beliefs and practice it’s rituals, but this does not mean that this right is without restrictions and limitations.

Despite the numerous legal provisions that governs freedom of religions protection and sanctities on both international and national levels; however, in contradiction, blasphemy is still expands in different forms in reason of the lawful right of freedom of speech. Therefore, States and governments must maintain security and stability in the communities through countering sedition in the bud using all means and measures.

In a proactive and successful step, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him, issued an Act which provided for the criminalization of actions associated with the contempt of religion and its sanctities, and combating all forms of discrimination and rejection of hate speech, criminalization of discrimination based on religion, sects, confession, race and color. This decree is considered motivational to spread the culture of peace and compassion and dismissal of all forms of terrorism and discrimination. Besides, it represents a legislative border protecting national security and terminating discord and rivalry factors that may arise due to the many cultures, religions and races that reside in the UAE.

Hence the research arose to clarify the concepts related to blasphemy and different forms of this offense and to demonstrate the international and national legal protection of religions and sanctities and to provide an examination of judicial and legal application jurisdictions.

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