Minority rights activists in Pakistan took to the streets on Tuesday (July 2) following the death sentence handed down to a Christian man for allegedly sharing a blasphemous TikTok post. The case has sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws in the country.
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The controversy began in August when an image accusing two Christian brothers of desecrating a religious text was widely circulated. The resulting uproar led to a mob attack on a Christian enclave, where over 80 homes and 19 churches were destroyed.
Also watch | Pakistani court sentences Christian man to death over blasphemy allegations
On Tuesday (July 2), about 60 demonstrators gathered in Karachi and held banners condemning the “misuse of blasphemy laws.” Among the protesters was Christian pastor Ghazala Shafiq, who voiced fears about the increasing danger faced by minorities in Pakistan, news agency AFP reported.
“Day by day, Pakistan is becoming a country where minorities aren’t safe anymore,” said Shafiq. “People can do whatever they want to do with us,” she added, AFP report added further.
The individual at the centre of the blasphemy case, 27-year-old Ehsan Masih, was convicted by a court in eastern Sahiwal city in Punjab.
Also watch | Pakistan: Christian man sentenced to death
His lawyer, Akmal Bhatti, argued that Masih, who is illiterate, did not understand the content of the image he shared on TikTok.
“He shared the page on his TikTok without any understanding of what it was,” Bhatti explained. “He did not write anything with that post, did not add anything himself that could be considered blasphemous.”
The initial arrests of the two Christian brothers for blasphemy were overturned after investigators determined they were likely framed due to a personal grudge.
Despite this, Masih’s conviction has moved forward.
According to Amnesty International, Pakistan’s last executions occurred in 2020 but many convicts endure prolonged and harsh conditions on death row.
(With inputs from agencies)
Source link : https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-christians-take-to-streets-over-blasphemy-death-sentence-737246/amp
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Publish date : 2024-07-02 12:54:11
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