Blasphemy cases–long common to Muslim nations such as Pakistan and Egypt–are now popping up in unexpected places. The latest: heavily Catholic Poland.
Poland’s Supreme Court recently ruled that a blasphemy charge against Adam Darski, a member of the Polish rock band Behemoth, can proceed–nearly five years after during an on-stage performance.
Reuters reports that in 2007, Darski “ripped up a copy of the Christian holy book during a concert … called it deceitful and described the Roman Catholic church as “a criminal sect.” Supporters called it “artistic expression”; many Catholics, who comprise more than 80 percent of Poland’s population, said it “offended religious feelings.”
And Poland’s Supreme Court has agreed. In its decision, the court ruled that Darski’s actions could have violated Polish law “even if did not intend to offend his audience.”
The case will now return to a lower court. If convicted, Darksi faces a two-year stint in jail.
CT has previously reported on blasphemy charges against Christians in Pakistan and reported the case of some Orthodox Russians who claim Apple’s iconic “bitten apple” logo is offensive.
