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In Pakistan, a 22-year-old student has been sentenced to death for blasphemy charges linked to WhatsApp messages, as reported by BBC on Friday. The court determined that the student had created and shared 'blasphemous' pictures and videos on the messaging app, containing disrespectful language about Prophet Muhammad and his wives. The messages were deemed to have intentionally outraged the religious sentiments of Muslims.
Additionally, a 17-year-old student received a life imprisonment sentence for sharing similar 'blasphemous' material. The minor was not given the death penalty due to his age.
The case originated from a complaint filed in 2022 by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cybercrime unit in Lahore. The FIA stated that after examining the students' phones, they discovered objectionable content.
Both students deny the allegations, claiming they've been falsely accused.
The father of the 22-year-old student has lodged an appeal in the Lahore High Court against the lower court's verdict, according to media reports.
Blasphemy, which involves showing disrespect towards God through speech or writing, is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan. Those perceived as insulting Islam or its figures can face severe consequences, including the death penalty. In some instances, individuals accused of blasphemy have been lynched before their trials.
Last August, a violent mob set several churches ablaze in eastern Pakistan following allegations of blasphemy against a Christian family. The incident erupted after religious extremists accused the family of desecrating the Quran. Images circulated on social media depicted smoke billowing from the church buildings as people set fire to furniture.
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