Three men sentenced to death over blasphemous posts

An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has sentenced three men to death over blasphemous posts on social media.

The verdict was reserved in the case on Dec 15, 2020 after a four-year long trial.

ATC judge Raja Jawad Abbas, while announcing the verdict, said the prosecution succeeded in proving its case against the accused.

All three accused, Abdul Waheed, Rana Noman Rafaqat and Nasir Ahmed, have been found guilty, the ruling pronounced.

A 10-year imprisonment sentence and Rs100,000 fine was also awarded to a professor, reported Geo.

Blasphemy is a sensitive topic in Pakistan. Rights advocates have long been demanding a reform of the controversial laws, introduced by military dictator General Ziaul Haq in the 1980s.

Human rights groups say blasphemy laws are often misused to persecute minorities or even against Muslims to settle personal rivalries. Such accusations can end up in lynchings or street vigilantism.