Pakistanis Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy

A Pakistani court in Rawalpindi has sentenced four men to death for posting blasphemous content online against the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. The prosecution, supported by forensic evidence, resulted in additional sentences of 80 years imprisonment and fines for insulting religious figures on social media. The verdict includes sections from the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Amnesty International has criticized Pakistan's blasphemy laws for violating human rights and fostering vigilantism, leading to a presumption of guilt with little evidence. The accused plan to challenge the verdict, as blasphemy charges in Pakistan can escalate tensions and have historically led to violence. There is a call for the government to investigate the rise in such cases to prevent the wrongful persecution of individuals.