Two Notable South Asian Atheists Face Blasphemy Charges in Their Countries

By Hemant Mehta

Two activists are facing separate charges of blasphemy for calling into question harmful religious traditions and superstitious thinking.

Babu Gogineni, a former director of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), is kind of like India’s James Randi. He’s known for appearing in the media and debunking charlatans. Last year, in a clip that went viral, he debunked two “pranic healers” who said energy could heal your body and that they could cure your problems over the phone.

So what did he do that was so awful?

Petitioner Veera Narayana Chowdary said he was watching Gogineni’s speeches online… and that’s literally it.

He filed this unbelievable litany of charges against Gogineni that include obscenity, insulting religion, and “public mischief.”

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