Pakistani Court Sentences Four to Death for Blasphemy

A Pakistani court Saturday sentenced four individuals to death for blasphemy, following allegations they posted sacrilegious content on social media regarding Islamic figures and the Quran, The Associated Press reported.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Tariq Ayub in Rawalpindi, emphasizes that blasphemy and disrespect toward holy figures are unforgivable offenses.

In addition to the death sentences, the court imposed collective fines of 4.6 million rupees (approximately $16,500) and stipulated jail terms for the accused should a higher court overturn the sentences. The defense attorney, Manzoor Rahmani, condemned the court’s decision, citing a lack of evidence and suggesting that fears of religious backlash influenced the ruling.

Since the introduction of anti-blasphemy laws in the 1980s, accusations have often led to violence, with critics arguing that the laws are misused to resolve personal disputes. Appeals against the verdict are currently being prepared by the defense team.