Sat Jan 25 18:15:41 UTC 2025: ## Pakistani Court Hands Down Death Sentences for Blasphemy
**MULTAN, Pakistan —** A Pakistani court sentenced four individuals to death on Saturday for allegedly posting blasphemous content online, sparking concerns about the misuse of the country’s controversial blasphemy laws. The men were convicted of insulting Islamic religious figures and the Quran on social media. Judge Tariq Ayub, presiding in Rawalpindi, declared blasphemy an unforgivable offense. In addition to the death sentences, the court imposed substantial fines and jail terms as an alternative punishment should the death sentences be overturned on appeal.
The defendants’ lawyer, Manzoor Rahmani, strongly criticized the ruling, citing a lack of evidence and suggesting the court’s decision was influenced by fear of potential mob violence. He stated that appeals are already being prepared.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, enacted in the 1980s, criminalize insults to Islam and have been frequently criticized for being used to settle personal scores and incite violence. While authorities have yet to execute anyone under these laws, the mere accusation of blasphemy often leads to dangerous repercussions.
First Piper 