MULTAN, Pakistan — On Saturday, a court in Pakistan sentenced four individuals to death for allegedly posting blasphemous content on social media related to Islamic figures and the Quran. Their legal representative indicated that efforts to appeal the ruling are currently in progress.

Pakistan’s stringent blasphemy laws stipulate that those deemed guilty of defaming Islam or its sacred symbols can face the ultimate penalty. Although no executions have taken place under these laws, accusations of blasphemy can lead to violent mob reactions and revenge attacks.

Judge Tariq Ayub, presiding in Rawalpindi, asserted that acts of blasphemy, as well as disrespect towards revered religious figures and profanation of the Quran, are serious crimes that allow no possibility for clemency.

In addition to the death sentences, the judge levied fines totaling 4.6 million rupees (approximately $16,500) on the accused, and also imposed prison sentences for each man should a higher court overturn the death penalties.

The lawyer for the defendants, Manzoor Rahmani, voiced strong criticism against the ruling and pointed to the lack of substantial evidence presented by the prosecution. He noted the “doubts and uncertainties” prevalent in these cases often go unaddressed by courts, likely due to fears of public outrage and potential backlash against the judiciary if acquittals occur.

The anti-blasphemy laws in Pakistan, enacted during the 1980s, prohibit insults towards Islam. Since their implementation, there have been numerous allegations involving disrespect towards the faith, mishandling its scriptures, or making derogatory comments about it in public spaces. Detractors of these laws argue that they are often misused to resolve personal conflicts.