More than a half of population of Ukraine (53 %) considers that people should have right to criticize religion publicly. It is shown by the results of the research carried out by the Kiev international Institute of Sociology.

In Ukraine, there were just 17% of those considering that the government has the right to fine or imprison critics of any religion. Simultaneously, among all 22 analyzed countries, in Ukraine there appeared to be the greatest quantity of the doubting, not able to give the concrete answer (30 %).

The questioning in Ukraine took place in May 21-31st, 2009, by the interview method. There were questioned 2008 respondents in all areas, in Crimea and in Kiev, on stochastic sample, representative for the population at the age above 18. The statistical error of the sample (with probability is 0.95 and taking into account the effect of design) does not exceed 3,3 % for indicators close to 50 %, 2,8 % - for the indicators close to 25 %.

As it informs Focus, as a whole in the world the majority of the population is opposed to interdiction of religion criticism. Researches of WorldPublicOpinion.org showed that in 22 interrogated countries on the average 57 % of respondents defend the right to criticize religion, "because people should have a freedom of speech". 34 % interrogated agree that the governments "should have a right to fine or imprison those who publicly criticize religion because such criticism can dishonor religion".

In the majority the ban to criticize religion support the countries with mainly Muslim population - Egypt (71 %), Pakistan (62 %), Iraq (57 %), Indonesia (49 %) and the territory of Palestine (51 %). India (59 %) and Nigeria (54 %), which throughout the history suffered from sectarian violence, joined them too.

The right to criticize religion received the broad support in the USA where 89 % acted in its protection. Following in the list are Chile (82 %), behind it - Mexico (81 %) and the Great Britain (81 %).

Interrogation was carried out by WorldPublicOpinion.org from April 25, until July 9, 2009 among 18 487 respondents in 22 countries. A possible error is 3-4 %.

By Focus

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