Peshawar: A Muslim man, Syed Muhammad Zeeshan, in Pakistan was sentenced to death by the anti-terrorism court for posting a blasphemous message in a WhatsApp group. He was convicted under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and Anti-Terrorist Act.
He was a resident of the northwest city of Mardan.
He was also fined 1.2 million rupees and handed 23 years of imprisonment. He has the right to appeal against the sentence. The law prohibiting blasphemy carries a potential death sentence but it has never been enforced.
The court order issued on Friday said: "Accused Syed Muhammad Zeeshan, son of Syed Zakaullah in custody has been convicted and sentenced after being found guilty," reported AFP. The complaint was filed by Muhammad Saeed, a resident of Talagang in Punjab with the Federal Investigation Agency two years ago. His counsel said the FIA confiscated Zeeshan's cell phone and its forensic examination proved him guilty.
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan. In the past, unproven allegations have led to violence and mobs. It is commonly believed that the charges are often used to settle personal scores. In the last 20 years, 774 Muslims and 760 members of various minority religious groups were accused of blasphemy.