LAHORE, Pakistan — A Pakistani Christian man received a life sentence over a “blasphemous” social media comment that his wife said he did not post.
The sentence against Fanson Shahid was issued Jan. 24 in a Punjab province court, reports the news services Christian Daily International and Morning Star News. A fine of $358 (100,000 rupees) was also imposed.
He is accused of posting a blasphemous comment toward the prophet of Islam. Shahid’s wife said a phone stolen from Shahid in 2019 was used to make the post. She further stated that her husband was tortured into confessing in March 2022.
The news services say Shahid was convicted of the following:
— Section 295-C, concerning derogatory comments about Muhammad; this usually carries a mandatory death sentence.
— Section 295-A, concerning hurting religious sentiment; the sentence is three years.
— Section 153-A, causing communal unrest; the sentence is a year in prison and a fine of $179 (50,000 rupees).
— Section 11 of Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016, regarding religious hatred on social media; the sentence is three years.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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