Pakistani Christian Man: The case against a Christian man who was sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court in the eastern Pakistani city of Jaranwala on blasphemy charges will be appealed by his lawyer, who confirmed the sentence on Saturday.
The 36-year-old was convicted of blasphemy in 2023 following allegations that she had desecrated the Koran, a charge which triggered violence against a Christian community and led to the demolition of hundreds of homes and churches in the area and a forced exodus of thousands.
“We will file an appeal on this decision with the High Court,” his lawyer, Akmal Bhatti, said, referring to the ruling issued Friday evening.
Blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan. The government has not executed anyone for the crime, though many people accused of blasphemy have been killed by angry mobs.
In a separate incident in Karachi on Friday, a mob of 100-200 people killed a 47-year-old Ahmadi car workshop owner by beating him with bricks and sticks. Ahmadis, who form a minority in Pakistan, have often been the target of violence and labeled heretical, with accusations coming from some conservative Muslim groups that they are committing blasphemy.
