LAHORE, Pakistan — Despite no direct evidence, a Christian man in Pakistan was sentenced to death June 29 on an accusation of blasphemy.
Ehsaan Masih was accused of sharing a blasphemous video of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, on TikTok, report the news services Christian Daily International and Morning Star News. He was charged under Section 295-C, which mandates a death penalty for blasphemy.
Khurram Shahzad Maan, Masih’s attorney, said a forensic examination of Masih’s phone and TikTok account found no blasphemous content.
Nonetheless, a Sahiwal District anti-terrorism judge deemed Masih guilty on that charge and also gave a 10-year sentence under Section 295-A (blaspheming Islam), seven years under Section 11 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and five years under Section 7(1)(g) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The news services state Masih was arrested Aug. 19, 2023. He was accused of sharing a video that featured a letter containing material deemed blasphemous. The letter in question had been said to have sparked a destructive riot by Muslims in Jaranwala three days prior.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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