Pakistan: First death sentence pronounced due to post on Facebook

After being accused of blasphemy or insulting Islam through social networks, the Pakistani was sentenced to death, the first pronounced death sentence for publication on the social network.

Judge Shabbir Ahmad Awan pronounced a verdict in Bahawalpur, 600 kilometers from Islamabad, condemning Taimoor Raz for insulting Prophet Muhammad. Raza, a member of the Shiite population, exchanged views on Islam on Facebook with someone who later turned out to be an officer in the fight against terrorism.

He was arrested last year for allegedly releasing humiliating status on Facebook about the leaders of Sunni Muslims and Prophet Muhammad's women. Based on these comments he was convicted. Blasphemy is a very sensitive Prosecution in Pakistan where unsubstantiated claims can lead to public lynching and violence.

• 15 Jun, 2017
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