Religious freedom conditions in Saudi Arabia are particularly severe, as the government prohibits the public practice of any religion other than Islam and forbids all non-Muslim houses of worship. Judicial authorities penalize religious dissenters with arbitrary and egregiously long prison sentences, and they have executed hundreds of Shi’a Muslims for protesting religious freedom restrictions. State textbooks also continue to promote intolerance directed at different religious beliefs. 

The Pakistani government’s systematic enforcement of blasphemy laws severely restricts freedom of religion or belief for all citizens, particularly targeting Ahmadiyya Muslims. Authorities’ failure to address mob violence associated with blasphemy accusations, as well as the forced conversions to Islam of individuals from religious minorities—including Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs—continues to reinforce a climate of fear and religious discrimination. 

North Korea’s ruling ideology, Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, treats religion as an existential threat. Punishments for defying draconian religious restrictions include forced labor, prison, torture, and execution. North Korean refugees in China face severe punishment upon repatriation if they engage in religious activities, including contact with Christian missionaries and NGOs. Authorities harshly punish traditional shamanistic practices and youth caught engaging in religious activities.