Four Pakistani Citizens Convicted for Sharing Blasphemous Content on Social Media
RAWALPINDI – An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has convicted four Pakistani individuals for sharing blasphemous content on social media, marking a significant ruling in the fight against digital misconduct.
Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Tariq Ayub of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) found Rana Usman, Ashfaq Ali, Salman Sajjad, and Wajid Ali guilty under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including 295-A, 295-B, and 295-C, which criminalize sharing blasphemous content related to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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The court sentenced the four convicts to 10 years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs. 1 million each. The case, which was filed three years ago, highlights the growing concern over the misuse of digital platforms to spread religious discord in Pakistan, a country with a Muslim majority population.
The accused were found guilty of sharing blasphemous material on various Facebook pages and groups, inciting religious tensions and violating the sanctity of religious sentiments.
This ruling serves as a strong reminder of the legal ramifications for using social media to promote divisive content and potentially stir violence in the country.