Pakistani Court Sentences Four to Death Under Blasphemy Law

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A Pakistani court has sentenced four individuals to death for blasphemy, reportedly for posting sacrilegious material on social media regarding Islamic religious figures and the Quran. The sentencing took place in Rawalpindi, where Judge Tariq Ayub declared that such actions were "unforgivable offenses." Along with the death sentences, the judge also imposed collective fines of 4.6 million rupees and additional jail terms in case a higher court overturns the death sentences.

Since the introduction of anti-blasphemy measures in the 1980s, Pakistan's laws have mandated severe penalties for insults directed at Islam or its religious figures. While no death sentences have been carried out to date, accusations of blasphemy often lead to mob violence and extreme societal backlash.

The lawyer for the accused, Manzoor Rahmani, has criticized the court's decision, asserting that the investigation lacked credible evidence and alleging that fear of religious retaliation influences judicial outcomes. He stated that preparations for an appeal are already underway, with hopes to challenge the ruling in a higher court.

Critics of the blasphemy laws argue that they are frequently exploited to settle personal grievances under the guise of religious offense.

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