<p>Hundreds of people, armed with sticks and batons, stormed a local Christian colony in the Jaranwala area of Faisalabad,&nbsp;one of the wealthiest and most industrialised cities&nbsp;in Pakistan, on Wednesday (August 16)&nbsp;morning and attacked two&nbsp;churches and adjoining buildings over what they claimed was blasphemy allegedly committed by a local resident.</p>

<p>One church was set on fire while the mob tried to vandalise another.</p>

<p>The attack sparked fear and panic in&nbsp;the area. Shops in the local market were shut as armed mobs roamed the streets.</p>

<p>Videos and messages from locals suggested that&nbsp;loudspeakers of mosques were used to convey alleged desecration of religious scriptures by two local Christian residents, Rocky and Raja.</p>

<p>Though&nbsp;a heavy contingent of police reached the area and assured the swelling mob that the suspects would be apprehended and would face action as per the law, the&nbsp;crowds proceeded to attack the colony.</p>

<p>The government of Pakistan's&nbsp;Punjab province called in Pakistani Rangers to control the violent situation. There are reports that churches and members of the minority Christian community are being attacked at different locations across the city.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan: Mob attack on Church in Faisalabad following Blasphemy allegations on Christian family</strong></p>

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<p>Christian residents of the area appeared to have fled.</p>

<p>The Salvation Army Church, the church the mob tried to vandalise, is one of the oldest churches&nbsp;in the area.<br />
<br />
A Christian leader, Akmal Bhatti, said the crowd had torched at least five churches and looted valuables from houses that had been abandoned by their owners after clerics made announcements in mosques inciting the mob, said a Dawn report.</p>

<p>Images on social media showed smoke rising from church buildings and people dragging out furniture from them and setting it fire on. A Christian cemetery was also vandalised, the report added.<br />
<br />
Police registered an first information report against the blasphemy accused under sections 295B (defiling, etc., of the Holy Quran) and 295C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet) of the Pakistan Penal Code.</p>

<p>Pakistan's caretaker PM Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has taken note on the incident and posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that those guilty would be punished.</p>

<p>"I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits &amp; bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands with our citizenry on equal basis," Kakar posted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Faisalabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Faisalabad</a>. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits &amp; bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands… <a href="https://t.co/GHWUGA1fXS">https://t.co/GHWUGA1fXS</a></p>
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) <a href="https://twitter.com/anwaar_kakar/status/1691777275975352499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kakar was responding to the post on X by Bishop Azad Marshall, who is the President Bishop of Church of Pakistan. Marshall had expressed his anguish over the violence.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Words fail me as I write this. We, Bishops, Priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident in the Faisalabad District in Pakistan. A church building is being burnt as I type this message. Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been… <a href="https://t.co/xruE83NPXL">pic.twitter.com/xruE83NPXL</a></p>
— Bishop Azad Marshall (@BishopAzadM) <a href="https://twitter.com/BishopAzadM/status/1691729068889354251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>While an FIR has been registered under blasphemy allegations of Article 295-C, the situation in the area remains tense.&nbsp;Police are trying to get the situation under their control.</p>

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Hundreds of people, armed with sticks and batons, stormed a local Christian colony in the Jaranwala area of Faisalabad, one of the wealthiest and most industrialised cities in Pakistan, on Wednesday (August 16) morning and attacked two churches and adjoining buildings over what they claimed was blasphemy allegedly committed by a local resident.

Hundreds of people, armed with sticks and batons, stormed a local Christian colony in the Jaranwala area of Faisalabad, one of the wealthiest and most industrialised cities in Pakistan, on Wednesday (August 16) morning and attacked two churches and adjoining buildings over what they claimed was blasphemy allegedly committed by a local resident. One church was set on fire while the mob tried to vandalise another. The attack sparked fear and panic in the area. Shops in the local market were shut as armed mobs roamed the streets. Videos and messages from locals suggested that loudspeakers of mosques were used to convey alleged desecration of religious scriptures by two local Christian residents, Rocky and Raja. Though a heavy contingent of police reached the area and assured the swelling mob that the suspects would be apprehended and would face action as per the law, the crowds proceeded to attack the colony. The government of Pakistan's Punjab province called in Pakistani Rangers to control the violent situation. There are reports that churches and members of the minority Christian community are being attacked at different locations across the city. Watch | Pakistan: Mob attack on Church in Faisalabad following Blasphemy allegations on Christian family × Christian residents of the area appeared to have fled. The Salvation Army Church, the church the mob tried to vandalise, is one of the oldest churches in the area. A Christian leader, Akmal Bhatti, said the crowd had torched at least five churches and looted valuables from houses that had been abandoned by their owners after clerics made announcements in mosques inciting the mob, said a Dawn report. Images on social media showed smoke rising from church buildings and people dragging out furniture from them and setting it fire on. A Christian cemetery was also vandalised, the report added. Police registered an first information report against the blasphemy accused under sections 295B (defiling, etc., of the Holy Quran) and 295C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Pakistan's caretaker PM Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has taken note on the incident and posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that those guilty would be punished. "I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits & bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands with our citizenry on equal basis," Kakar posted. I am gutted by the visuals coming out of Jaranwala,#Faisalabad. Stern action would be taken against those who violate law and target minorities. All law enforcement has been asked to apprehend culprits & bring them to justice. Rest assured that the government of Pakistan stands… https://t.co/GHWUGA1fXS — Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) August 16, 2023 × Kakar was responding to the post on X by Bishop Azad Marshall, who is the President Bishop of Church of Pakistan. Marshall had expressed his anguish over the violence. Words fail me as I write this. We, Bishops, Priests and lay people are deeply pained and distressed at the Jaranwala incident in the Faisalabad District in Pakistan. A church building is being burnt as I type this message. Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been… pic.twitter.com/xruE83NPXL — Bishop Azad Marshall (@BishopAzadM) August 16, 2023 × While an FIR has been registered under blasphemy allegations of Article 295-C, the situation in the area remains tense. Police are trying to get the situation under their control. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Churches attacked in Pakistan's Faisalabad over blasphemy allegations

A church along with some buildings around it have been vandalised in Pakistan's Faisalabad following allegations of blasphemy against a family. The incident has taken place in Faisalabad's Jaranwala Tehsil.

Pakistan: Mob attack on Church in Faisalabad following Blasphemy allegations on Christian family

<p>A Muslim preacher in Indonesia was arrested on blasphemy and hate speech charges post his controversial Islamic boarding school incited protests after women were given permission to preach and pray beside men, the police released a statement saying on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Al-Zaytun boarding school, located in West Java, which is the Muslim-majority nation's most populous province, has faced severe backlash from conservative groups that have condemned it for practising a version of Islam which is very different from the teachings of the Quran and incompatible with the holy book.</p>

<p>Indonesia's Islamic Clerical Council said some of Al-Zaytun's practices were a "wrong interpretation of the Quran". Earlier, in the month of June, it said it was probing the school for "misguided religious practices".</p>

<p>The head of the school, Panji Gumilang, aged 77, was detained early on Wednesday after being interrogated, national police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan told reporters.</p>

<p>"Investigators took legal action... and he is detained in the criminal investigation agency's detention facility for 20 days," he said.</p>

<p>As per the charges, Gumilang faces five-year imprisonment for blasphemy, six for spreading hate speech and 10 on the charge of spreading fake news and deliberately causing chaos in public.</p>

<p>The school scintillated unrest in conservative circles and demonstrations outside its compound when social media footage in late April showed women praying in the same row as men.</p>

<p>Generally, women are expected to pray behind men in traditional Islamic prayer.</p>

<p>Another practice of the school that ignited controversy was allowing the women to give a sermon in Friday prayers. This task is typically reserved for men in traditional Islamic teaching.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-urges-europe-to-find-courageous-courses-of-peace-for-ukraine-as-he-arrives-in-portugal-621709">Pope Francis urges Europe to find 'courageous courses of peace' for Ukraine as he arrives in Portugal</a></p>

<h2><strong>School </strong>accused of ties to Darul Islam</h2>

<p>The school, which opened in the year 1999, is home to approximately 5,000 students and is also accused of ties to Darul Islam, a group that fought for an Islamic state in Indonesia in the 1950s and 1960s and survived a military defeat.</p>

<p>Previously, thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the school several times since the month of June to call for its closure.</p>

<p>Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch said the Al-Zaytun case was the latest example of discrimination against minority views.</p>

<p>"If a Muslim cleric is accused of committing blasphemy against Islam for promoting women's rights, something must be terribly wrong with both Indonesia's blasphemy law and the mainstream (clerical) groups," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A Muslim preacher in Indonesia was arrested on blasphemy and hate speech charges post his controversial Islamic boarding school incited protests after women were given permission to preach and pray beside men, the police released a statement saying on Wednesday.

A Muslim preacher in Indonesia was arrested on blasphemy and hate speech charges post his controversial Islamic boarding school incited protests after women were given permission to preach and pray beside men, the police released a statement saying on Wednesday. The Al-Zaytun boarding school, located in West Java, which is the Muslim-majority nation's most populous province, has faced severe backlash from conservative groups that have condemned it for practising a version of Islam which is very different from the teachings of the Quran and incompatible with the holy book. Indonesia's Islamic Clerical Council said some of Al-Zaytun's practices were a "wrong interpretation of the Quran". Earlier, in the month of June, it said it was probing the school for "misguided religious practices". The head of the school, Panji Gumilang, aged 77, was detained early on Wednesday after being interrogated, national police spokesman Ahmad Ramadhan told reporters. "Investigators took legal action... and he is detained in the criminal investigation agency's detention facility for 20 days," he said. As per the charges, Gumilang faces five-year imprisonment for blasphemy, six for spreading hate speech and 10 on the charge of spreading fake news and deliberately causing chaos in public. The school scintillated unrest in conservative circles and demonstrations outside its compound when social media footage in late April showed women praying in the same row as men. Generally, women are expected to pray behind men in traditional Islamic prayer. Another practice of the school that ignited controversy was allowing the women to give a sermon in Friday prayers. This task is typically reserved for men in traditional Islamic teaching. Also read: Pope Francis urges Europe to find 'courageous courses of peace' for Ukraine as he arrives in Portugal School accused of ties to Darul Islam The school, which opened in the year 1999, is home to approximately 5,000 students and is also accused of ties to Darul Islam, a group that fought for an Islamic state in Indonesia in the 1950s and 1960s and survived a military defeat. Previously, thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the school several times since the month of June to call for its closure. Andreas Harsono of Human Rights Watch said the Al-Zaytun case was the latest example of discrimination against minority views. "If a Muslim cleric is accused of committing blasphemy against Islam for promoting women's rights, something must be terribly wrong with both Indonesia's blasphemy law and the mainstream (clerical) groups," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia arrests Muslim preacher on charges including blasphemy and hate speech

<p>Iran executed two people on Monday who were convicted of blasphemy, said the judiciary.</p>

<p>The two men were hanged to death in the morning over 'burning the Quran' and 'insulting the Prophet of Islam' at Arak Prison in central Iran.</p>

<p>The judiciary's Mizan Online website reported that Sadrollah Fazeli Zare and Yousef Mehrdad were involved in crimes, including insulting the religion of Islam, the prophet and other sanctities.</p>

<p>The two were running dozens of online anti-religion platforms dedicated to the hatred of Islam, Mizan reported.</p>

<p>One of the accused, in March 2021, had allegedly confessed to publishing content on his social media account, admitting to the insults that were committed, it added.</p>

<p>The two men were detained in 2020 and were condemned for running a Telegram channel called "Criticism of Superstition and Religion", BBC reported, citing Iran's Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).</p>

<p>Human rights groups condemned Iran for failing to provide fair trials and insulting freedom of expression.</p>

<p>"The execution of Yousef and Sadrollah for 'insulting the Prophet' is not only a cruel act by a medieval regime, but it is also a serious insult to the freedom of expression," said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Norway-based group Iran Human Rights.</p>

<p>"These executions must be a turning point in the relations between the Islamic Republic and countries respecting the freedom of expression," he added. "Lack of a strong reaction by the international community sends a green light to the Islamic Republic and their ideological allies worldwide."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, United Nations experts have called on majority Shi'ite Muslim Iran to stop persecution and harassment of religious minorities, highlighting an Iranian policy of targeting dissenting beliefs or religious practices, including Christian converts and atheists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to rights groups, including Amnesty International, Iran executes more people yearly than any other nation except China.</p>

<p>In 2022, the country executed 75 per cent more people than the previous year, as per two rights groups.</p>

<h2><strong>US names Iran, China as countries of particular concern over religious freedom</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, the United States designated China, Iran and Russia as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act over severe violations.</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement saying that those designated as countries of particular concern, engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.</p>

<p>"Around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs," Blinken said in the statement.</p>

<p>"The United States will not stand by in the face of these abuses."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Iran executed two people on Monday who were convicted of blasphemy, said the judiciary. The two men were hanged to death in the morning over 'burning the Quran' and 'insulting the Prophet of Islam' at Arak Prison in central Iran.

Iran executed two people on Monday who were convicted of blasphemy, said the judiciary. The two men were hanged to death in the morning over 'burning the Quran' and 'insulting the Prophet of Islam' at Arak Prison in central Iran. The judiciary's Mizan Online website reported that Sadrollah Fazeli Zare and Yousef Mehrdad were involved in crimes, including insulting the religion of Islam, the prophet and other sanctities. The two were running dozens of online anti-religion platforms dedicated to the hatred of Islam, Mizan reported. One of the accused, in March 2021, had allegedly confessed to publishing content on his social media account, admitting to the insults that were committed, it added. The two men were detained in 2020 and were condemned for running a Telegram channel called "Criticism of Superstition and Religion", BBC reported, citing Iran's Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Human rights groups condemned Iran for failing to provide fair trials and insulting freedom of expression. "The execution of Yousef and Sadrollah for 'insulting the Prophet' is not only a cruel act by a medieval regime, but it is also a serious insult to the freedom of expression," said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Norway-based group Iran Human Rights. "These executions must be a turning point in the relations between the Islamic Republic and countries respecting the freedom of expression," he added. "Lack of a strong reaction by the international community sends a green light to the Islamic Republic and their ideological allies worldwide." Meanwhile, United Nations experts have called on majority Shi'ite Muslim Iran to stop persecution and harassment of religious minorities, highlighting an Iranian policy of targeting dissenting beliefs or religious practices, including Christian converts and atheists. According to rights groups, including Amnesty International, Iran executes more people yearly than any other nation except China. In 2022, the country executed 75 per cent more people than the previous year, as per two rights groups. US names Iran, China as countries of particular concern over religious freedom Last year, the United States designated China, Iran and Russia as countries of particular concern under the Religious Freedom Act over severe violations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement saying that those designated as countries of particular concern, engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. "Around the world, governments and non-state actors harass, threaten, jail, and even kill individuals on account of their beliefs," Blinken said in the statement. "The United States will not stand by in the face of these abuses." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Iran executes two men convicted for 'burning Quran'

<p>A man was lynched by a blood-thirsty mob in the&nbsp;Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on Saturday, according to an ANI report. The deceased was accused of blasphemy during a rally of former prime minister Imran Khan's political outfit&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spine-tingling video of the incident is currently doing the rounds of social media and shows a crowd of hundreds converging upon a single man and beating him mercilessly with sticks and other crude weapons. The mob&nbsp;even dragged the lifeless body of the man, believed to be in his 40s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Twitter user named Harris Sultan, claiming to be an ex-Muslim atheist activist and author of "The Curse of God, why I left Islam" shared the video of the incident saying the deceased was a Muslim scholar who said he loved Imran Khan like he loved the prophet as the PTI leader was an honest man.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've been saying it for at least 5 years that the frequency of these lynchings is only going to increase. According to initial reports, a cleric by the name of Maulana Nigar Alam said "I love Imran Khan like I love prophets"," tweeted the user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A seemingly harmless comment in Pakistan can get you killed. Soon, nobody will mention Muhammad or any prophet out of fear of getting misinterpreted as a 'blasphemer'."</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the media shared by the Twitter user)</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">**WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT**<br />
<br />
I've been saying it for at least 5 years that the frequency of these lynchings is only going to increase. According to initial reports, a cleric by the name of Maulana Nigar Alam said "I love Imran Khan like I love prophets."<br />
<br />
A seemingly… <a href="https://t.co/4nGfbcshfL">pic.twitter.com/4nGfbcshfL</a></p>
— Harris Sultan (@TheHarrisSultan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHarrisSultan/status/1654896113369899010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The deceased scholar has been identified as&nbsp;Maulana Nigar Alam, according to the ANI report. The police had reportedly reached the spot to push the crowd back. However, while holding a conversation with some of the elders to simmer down the situation, the&nbsp;mob lynched the man.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-chinese-national-arrested-on-blasphemy-charges-this-world-585202"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan: Chinese national arrested on blasphemy charges | This World</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Blasphemy laws in Pakistan</strong></h2>

<p>Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are highly ambiguous and anything said against Islam can land one in trouble.&nbsp;Last month, a Chinese engineer&nbsp;working at the Dasu hydropower project in Kohistan District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province became the latest victim of the blasphemy laws. He was arrested for allegedly "insulting Allah".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred at the project when an employee of China Gezhouba Group Company working at the site got into a heated&nbsp;argument with local labourers.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-national-arrested-in-pakistan-for-insulting-allah-583173"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Chinese national in Pakistan's police custody for 'insulting Allah' in Ramadan row</strong></a></p>

<p>In January this year, Pakistan's National Assembly voted to expand the definition of the blasphemy law, which already carries a death penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Under the new law, individuals who are deemed to have insulted the prophet's companions can also receive 10 years in prison or life imprisonment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blasphemy laws have been criticised by human rights organisations and international bodies, including the United Nations. These organisations argue that the laws violate freedom of expression and religion, and have called for their repeal or reform.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A man was lynched by a blood-thirsty mob in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on Saturday, according to an ANI report. The deceased was accused of blasphemy during a rally of former prime minister Imran Khan's political outfit Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

A man was lynched by a blood-thirsty mob in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on Saturday, according to an ANI report. The deceased was accused of blasphemy during a rally of former prime minister Imran Khan's political outfit Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). A spine-tingling video of the incident is currently doing the rounds of social media and shows a crowd of hundreds converging upon a single man and beating him mercilessly with sticks and other crude weapons. The mob even dragged the lifeless body of the man, believed to be in his 40s. A Twitter user named Harris Sultan, claiming to be an ex-Muslim atheist activist and author of "The Curse of God, why I left Islam" shared the video of the incident saying the deceased was a Muslim scholar who said he loved Imran Khan like he loved the prophet as the PTI leader was an honest man. "I've been saying it for at least 5 years that the frequency of these lynchings is only going to increase. According to initial reports, a cleric by the name of Maulana Nigar Alam said "I love Imran Khan like I love prophets"," tweeted the user. "A seemingly harmless comment in Pakistan can get you killed. Soon, nobody will mention Muhammad or any prophet out of fear of getting misinterpreted as a 'blasphemer'." (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the media shared by the Twitter user) **WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT** I've been saying it for at least 5 years that the frequency of these lynchings is only going to increase. According to initial reports, a cleric by the name of Maulana Nigar Alam said "I love Imran Khan like I love prophets." A seemingly… pic.twitter.com/4nGfbcshfL — Harris Sultan (@TheHarrisSultan) May 6, 2023 × The deceased scholar has been identified as Maulana Nigar Alam, according to the ANI report. The police had reportedly reached the spot to push the crowd back. However, while holding a conversation with some of the elders to simmer down the situation, the mob lynched the man. WATCH | Pakistan: Chinese national arrested on blasphemy charges | This World × Blasphemy laws in Pakistan Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are highly ambiguous and anything said against Islam can land one in trouble. Last month, a Chinese engineer working at the Dasu hydropower project in Kohistan District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province became the latest victim of the blasphemy laws. He was arrested for allegedly "insulting Allah". The incident occurred at the project when an employee of China Gezhouba Group Company working at the site got into a heated argument with local labourers. ALSO READ | Chinese national in Pakistan's police custody for 'insulting Allah' in Ramadan row In January this year, Pakistan's National Assembly voted to expand the definition of the blasphemy law, which already carries a death penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Under the new law, individuals who are deemed to have insulted the prophet's companions can also receive 10 years in prison or life imprisonment. The blasphemy laws have been criticised by human rights organisations and international bodies, including the United Nations. These organisations argue that the laws violate freedom of expression and religion, and have called for their repeal or reform. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan: Islamic scholar lynched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for blasphemy

A Chinese engineer working in Pakistan has been taken into police custody following allegations of blasphemy. Reports say businesses linked to China and frequented by the Chinese have been temporarily closed in Karachi. Is there a rising anti-China sentiment in Pakistan? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Pakistan: Chinese national arrested on blasphemy charges | This World

A Chinese engineer has been arrested in Pakistan over blasphemy. Who is this engineer? What's his crime? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Chinese engineer arrested in Pakistan over blasphemy

<p>A Chinese engineer working at the Dasu hydropower project in Kohistan District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has become the latest victim of Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws. He was taken into custody for "Insulting Allah."</p>

<p>According to Dawn newspaper, the police have invoked Section 295-C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet)&nbsp;of the Pakistan Penal Code.</p>

<p>The incident occurred at the project when an employee of China Gezhouba Group Company working at the site got into a heated&nbsp;argument with local labourers. The quarrel broke out over the slow pace of work during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, reported SCMP citing a source by This Week in Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, during the squabble, the Chinese employee allegedly insulted "Allah." Over this, a few enraged workers assembled in front of the engineer's office on Sunday with the apparent intention to assault him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/netanyahu-discloses-why-us-intel-leaks-said-mossad-encouraged-israel-protests-583154">Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests</a></p>

<p>A member of the local citizen-police liaison committee told This Week in Asia that police in northern Pakistan have taken a Chinese engineer into custody from a worksite camp at the Dasu hydropower project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police made the arrest “to avert a serious situation”, as per the member.&nbsp;A police station in the rural Kohistan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is where the Chinese national was reportedly being held, according to the source.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-minister-meets-putin-says-willing-to-work-with-russian-military-to-have-close-communications-583151">Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications</a></p>

<p>Once the news reached nearby areas, hundreds of protesters blocked Karakoram Highway (KKH) between the China-Pakistan border in a mark of their demonstrations against the Chinese citizen working at Dassu dam project.&nbsp;Police officers and paramilitary troops tasked with protecting Chinese nationals working on the dam had to stop the yelling throng.</p>

<p>According to unconfirmed accounts, troops fired warning bullets into the air to quell the crowd. After nearly four hours when authorities had given community leaders assurances that the Chinese engineer would face legal repercussions, the demonstrators dispersed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Sudan Power Struggle: Army clashes with paramilitary forces enters third day</strong></p>

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<p>Reports suggest that local religious leaders will conduct a tribal council on Monday to determine whether to file a blasphemy charge with the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan's blasphemy laws were first introduced in the 1980s, and have been controversial ever since. The blasphemy laws have also been criticised by human rights organisations and international bodies, including the United Nations. These organisations argue that the laws violate freedom of expression and religion, and have called for their repeal or reform.</p>

<p>Despite the controversy surrounding the blasphemy laws, they remain in place in Pakistan, and continue to be enforced.</p>

<p>The subject of the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan has also been scrutinised lately. In 2021, at least 12 persons, including nine Chinese engineers and two Frontier Corps personnel were killed in a bus "attack" near the Dasu hydropower plant in the Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last year,&nbsp;three Chinese teachers and their Pakistani driver were killed in a suicide bombing in Karachi.<br />
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A Chinese engineer working at the Dasu hydropower project in Kohistan District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has become the latest victim of Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws.

A Chinese engineer working at the Dasu hydropower project in Kohistan District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has become the latest victim of Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws. He was taken into custody for "Insulting Allah." According to Dawn newspaper, the police have invoked Section 295-C (use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The incident occurred at the project when an employee of China Gezhouba Group Company working at the site got into a heated argument with local labourers. The quarrel broke out over the slow pace of work during Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, reported SCMP citing a source by This Week in Asia. As per reports, during the squabble, the Chinese employee allegedly insulted "Allah." Over this, a few enraged workers assembled in front of the engineer's office on Sunday with the apparent intention to assault him. Also Read | Netanyahu discloses why US intel leaks said Mossad encouraged Israel protests A member of the local citizen-police liaison committee told This Week in Asia that police in northern Pakistan have taken a Chinese engineer into custody from a worksite camp at the Dasu hydropower project. The police made the arrest “to avert a serious situation”, as per the member. A police station in the rural Kohistan region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is where the Chinese national was reportedly being held, according to the source. Also Read | Chinese minister meets Putin, says willing to work with Russian military to have close communications Once the news reached nearby areas, hundreds of protesters blocked Karakoram Highway (KKH) between the China-Pakistan border in a mark of their demonstrations against the Chinese citizen working at Dassu dam project. Police officers and paramilitary troops tasked with protecting Chinese nationals working on the dam had to stop the yelling throng. According to unconfirmed accounts, troops fired warning bullets into the air to quell the crowd. After nearly four hours when authorities had given community leaders assurances that the Chinese engineer would face legal repercussions, the demonstrators dispersed. Watch | Sudan Power Struggle: Army clashes with paramilitary forces enters third day × Reports suggest that local religious leaders will conduct a tribal council on Monday to determine whether to file a blasphemy charge with the police. Pakistan's blasphemy laws were first introduced in the 1980s, and have been controversial ever since. The blasphemy laws have also been criticised by human rights organisations and international bodies, including the United Nations. These organisations argue that the laws violate freedom of expression and religion, and have called for their repeal or reform. Despite the controversy surrounding the blasphemy laws, they remain in place in Pakistan, and continue to be enforced. The subject of the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan has also been scrutinised lately. In 2021, at least 12 persons, including nine Chinese engineers and two Frontier Corps personnel were killed in a bus "attack" near the Dasu hydropower plant in the Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last year, three Chinese teachers and their Pakistani driver were killed in a suicide bombing in Karachi. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese national in Pakistan's police custody for 'insulting Allah' in Ramadan row

An enraged mob gathered outside the home of a Chinese engineer working on a hydroelectric project in Pakistan on Sunday, prompting the police to make an arrest on blasphemy charges.

Chinese engineer arrested on allegations of blasphemy in Pakistan

A man was lynched by the mob on allegations of Blasphemy in Pakistan. The incident reportedly took place in Punjab's Nankana Sahib, where the man was arrested by the police over the allegations of Blasphemy and hundreds of people reportedly stormed the police station where the victim was in custody.

Pakistan: Man lynched & set on fire by mob over Blasphemy in Punjab's Nankana Sahib

Pakistan has threatened to ban Wikipedia after accusing it of harbouring blasphemous content. Doesn't Pakistan have bigger fish to fry? Is the country (unsuccessfully) trying to divert its people's attention from economic misery? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants to ban Wikipedia. Here's why

<p>Pakistan is planning to block Wikipedia in the country if certain content deemed 'blasphemous' is not removed within 48 hours, said Bloomberg. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan which has laws to punish those found guilty. The laws can also lead to capital punishment. &nbsp;Many have previously been punished under the blasphemy law.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (February 1) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said in a statement that it had 'degraded' Wikipedia services as the platform did not comply with an earlier order in relation to the content deemed 'unlawful'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | It's Taliban vs Pakistan after Peshawar blast; former says 'Don't blame Afghanistan'</strong></p>

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<p>“PTA has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking/removing sacrilegious contents. Wikipedia was approached for blocking/removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor appeared before the Authority,” the official statement of Pakistan Telecom Authority said.</p>

<p>Bloomberg has now reported that Wikipedia 'will be blocked' in Pakistan if the content in question is not removed in 48 hours.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistanis-call-for-intelligence-chiefs-removal-over-peshawar-mosque-blast-failure-557781">Pakistanis call for intelligence chief's removal after Peshawar mosque blast</a></strong><br />
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“There is slowness and definitely it’ll impact especially those who use Wikipedia for education and information purposes,” Wahaj-us-Siraj, Chief Executive Officer of internet provider Nayatel. The official was quoted by Bloomberg.</p>

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Pakistan is planning to block Wikipedia in the country if certain content deemed 'blasphemous' is not removed within 48 hours, said Bloomberg. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan which has laws to punish those found guilty.

Pakistan is planning to block Wikipedia in the country if certain content deemed 'blasphemous' is not removed within 48 hours, said Bloomberg. Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan which has laws to punish those found guilty. The laws can also lead to capital punishment. Many have previously been punished under the blasphemy law. On Wednesday (February 1) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said in a statement that it had 'degraded' Wikipedia services as the platform did not comply with an earlier order in relation to the content deemed 'unlawful'. Watch | It's Taliban vs Pakistan after Peshawar blast; former says 'Don't blame Afghanistan' × “PTA has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking/removing sacrilegious contents. Wikipedia was approached for blocking/removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor appeared before the Authority,” the official statement of Pakistan Telecom Authority said. Bloomberg has now reported that Wikipedia 'will be blocked' in Pakistan if the content in question is not removed in 48 hours. Also Read | Pakistanis call for intelligence chief's removal after Peshawar mosque blast “There is slowness and definitely it’ll impact especially those who use Wikipedia for education and information purposes,” Wahaj-us-Siraj, Chief Executive Officer of internet provider Nayatel. The official was quoted by Bloomberg. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Wikipedia may get blocked in Pakistan over 'blasphemy': Report

Russia has thwarted a terror plot against India. The FSB has apprehended an Islamic state operative who planned to carry out a 'suicide attack' in India over the blasphemy row. Who is this operative? Where is he from? Palki Sharma deconstructs the 'Avenge Prophet' bid.

Gravitas: Russia thwarts terror plot against India, detains I-S operative

<p>A Hindu man&nbsp;in Hyderabad, Pakistan was purportedly booked&nbsp;in a false blasphemy case on Sunday (August 21), over a clash with a local resident, according to multiple media reports. The man, identified as Ashok Kumar, a sweeper, was violently assaulted by a hostile mob. After a fight with shopkeeper Bilal Abbasi, he filed a complaint against Kumar.</p>

<p>The frenzied mob, calling for the Hindu workers’ surrender for desecrating the Quran, was dispersed by the Hyderabad police, ANI reported.</p>

<p>According to a local media report, a Muslim woman was actually the one who burnt the Islamist book.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-booked-under-anti-terrorism-charges-508941">Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan booked under anti-terrorism charges</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hyderabad police dispersed a violent mob which was demanding handing over a Hindu sanitary worker accusing him of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blasphemy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blasphemy</a> Police claims the sanitary worker was targeted because of a personal clash with a local resident <a href="https://t.co/CnSFLNLqhH">pic.twitter.com/CnSFLNLqhH</a></p>
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xadeejournalist/status/1561387615890591749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Pakistan, there’s a widespread practise of using the harsh blasphemy law against minorities and even members of the Muslim community to avenge personal grievances. Several people have been killed by lynching for the blasphemy charge alone. Numerous other people spend years in prison without receiving justice because their lawyers, in fear, refuse to represent them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crime-against-women-in-pakistan-horrific-violence-against-257-women-in-sindh-508927">Crime against women in Pakistan: Horrific violence against 257 women in Sindh</a></strong></p>

<p>However, without considering the facts, judges in subordinate courts frequently sentence the accused to death.</p>

<p>According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan has documented 1,415 blasphemy cases since its independence. The think tank believes that the true number of instances is much higher than the one recorded.</p>

<p>As per reports, the problem of unverified and speculative claims of ‘blasphemy’ has increased in lynchings and extrajudicial executions in the South Asian country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Hindu man in Hyderabad, Pakistan was purportedly booked in a false blasphemy case on Sunday (August 21), over a clash with a local resident, according to multiple media reports.

A Hindu man in Hyderabad, Pakistan was purportedly booked in a false blasphemy case on Sunday (August 21), over a clash with a local resident, according to multiple media reports. The man, identified as Ashok Kumar, a sweeper, was violently assaulted by a hostile mob. After a fight with shopkeeper Bilal Abbasi, he filed a complaint against Kumar. The frenzied mob, calling for the Hindu workers’ surrender for desecrating the Quran, was dispersed by the Hyderabad police, ANI reported. According to a local media report, a Muslim woman was actually the one who burnt the Islamist book. Also read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan booked under anti-terrorism charges Hyderabad police dispersed a violent mob which was demanding handing over a Hindu sanitary worker accusing him of #blasphemy Police claims the sanitary worker was targeted because of a personal clash with a local resident pic.twitter.com/CnSFLNLqhH — Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) August 21, 2022 × In Pakistan, there’s a widespread practise of using the harsh blasphemy law against minorities and even members of the Muslim community to avenge personal grievances. Several people have been killed by lynching for the blasphemy charge alone. Numerous other people spend years in prison without receiving justice because their lawyers, in fear, refuse to represent them. Also read | Crime against women in Pakistan: Horrific violence against 257 women in Sindh However, without considering the facts, judges in subordinate courts frequently sentence the accused to death. According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan has documented 1,415 blasphemy cases since its independence. The think tank believes that the true number of instances is much higher than the one recorded. As per reports, the problem of unverified and speculative claims of ‘blasphemy’ has increased in lynchings and extrajudicial executions in the South Asian country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: Mob charges at Hindu man's house over fake blasphemy case

<p>The Taliban rule in Afghanistan continues to make&nbsp;a mockery of humanity. More than a month after Ajmal Haqiqi, a model-YouTuber, along with his three colleagues was arrested by the terrorist outfit, they are being brutally tortured and filmed for voyeuristic pleasures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, a video of Taliban terrorists mercilessly torturing and beating Ajmal with rods has gone viral on social media. It is being reported that the Taliban terrorists filmed the video for ‘fun’ and to share it on their WhatsApp groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Ajmal and his friends arrested on charges of Blasphemy</strong></p>

<p>As reported previously by WION,&nbsp;Ajmal and his colleagues have been arrested on charges of Blasphemy, according to the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence.</p>

<p>Reportedly, in the controversial video, one of Ajmal’s aides,&nbsp;having a speech impediment, recited a few verses of the Quran in a funny manner. The video was made for humorous purposes and didn’t intend to insult the holy book of Muslims.</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/afghan-model-youtuber-arrested-by-taliban-for-insulting-islamic-sacred-values-486690">Afghan model-YouTuber arrested by Taliban for 'insulting Islamic sacred values'</a></p>

<p>However, the Taliban took offence and dispatched its terrorists to arrest the youngsters, despite Ajmal posting an apology video, on charges of ‘insulting Islamic sacred values’. Since then, the four of them have been kept in captivity.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video was released a day after their arrest where Ajmal could be seen parroting the lines fed to him by the Taliban and confessing to the non-existent crime.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Taliban have detained <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>’s famous fashion model and YouTuber <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AjmalHaqiqi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AjmalHaqiqi</a>. The Taliban have accused him of disrespecting ‘Islam &amp; Afghan culture’. In this video, he is giving a forced confession and it is evident that he has been beaten as well.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeAjmal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeAjmal</a> <a href="https://t.co/JjBnMcTIVk">pic.twitter.com/JjBnMcTIVk</a></p>
— Qais Alamdar (@Qaisalamdar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Qaisalamdar/status/1534217639068942338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amnesty International objected to the arrest and demanded the Taliban immediately release the YouTubers and end their censorship. It further added:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>“Restrictions to the right to freedom of expression must be clearly provided by law and be strictly necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim. International human rights law does not permit restrictions of freedom of expression simply on the grounds it has the potential to offend or insult nor for the protection of religious beliefs or the religious sensibilities of their adherents. This incident is a classic example of how the Taliban is creating a climate of fear in Afghanistan by using arbitrary arrests and coercion to force people into silence.”</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Ever since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan last August, the country has descended into chaos. Women’s rights have been snatched away and a plethora of caveman rules have been imposed to keep any kind of dissent in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The Taliban rule in Afghanistan continues to make a mockery of humanity. More than a month after Ajmal Haqiqi, a model-YouTuber, along with his three colleagues was arrested by the terrorist outfit, they are being brutally tortured and filmed for voyeuristic pleasures.

The Taliban rule in Afghanistan continues to make a mockery of humanity. More than a month after Ajmal Haqiqi, a model-YouTuber, along with his three colleagues was arrested by the terrorist outfit, they are being brutally tortured and filmed for voyeuristic pleasures. Reportedly, a video of Taliban terrorists mercilessly torturing and beating Ajmal with rods has gone viral on social media. It is being reported that the Taliban terrorists filmed the video for ‘fun’ and to share it on their WhatsApp groups. Ajmal and his friends arrested on charges of Blasphemy As reported previously by WION, Ajmal and his colleagues have been arrested on charges of Blasphemy, according to the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence. Reportedly, in the controversial video, one of Ajmal’s aides, having a speech impediment, recited a few verses of the Quran in a funny manner. The video was made for humorous purposes and didn’t intend to insult the holy book of Muslims. Read More: Afghan model-YouTuber arrested by Taliban for 'insulting Islamic sacred values' However, the Taliban took offence and dispatched its terrorists to arrest the youngsters, despite Ajmal posting an apology video, on charges of ‘insulting Islamic sacred values’. Since then, the four of them have been kept in captivity. A video was released a day after their arrest where Ajmal could be seen parroting the lines fed to him by the Taliban and confessing to the non-existent crime. The Taliban have detained #Afghanistan’s famous fashion model and YouTuber #AjmalHaqiqi. The Taliban have accused him of disrespecting ‘Islam & Afghan culture’. In this video, he is giving a forced confession and it is evident that he has been beaten as well.#FreeAjmal pic.twitter.com/JjBnMcTIVk — Qais Alamdar (@Qaisalamdar) June 7, 2022 × Amnesty International objected to the arrest and demanded the Taliban immediately release the YouTubers and end their censorship. It further added: “Restrictions to the right to freedom of expression must be clearly provided by law and be strictly necessary and proportionate to a legitimate aim. International human rights law does not permit restrictions of freedom of expression simply on the grounds it has the potential to offend or insult nor for the protection of religious beliefs or the religious sensibilities of their adherents. This incident is a classic example of how the Taliban is creating a climate of fear in Afghanistan by using arbitrary arrests and coercion to force people into silence.” Ever since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan last August, the country has descended into chaos. Women’s rights have been snatched away and a plethora of caveman rules have been imposed to keep any kind of dissent in check. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Afghan YouTuber assaulted for 'fun' by Taliban terrorists

<p>Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media.</p>

<p>"The indictment... has been issued and referred to the court on the charges of propaganda activity against the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and blasphemy," Tehran's chief prosecutor Ali Salehi said, according to the judiciary's website Mizan Online.</p>

<p>Faezeh Hashemi (59), the daughter of the former president is a former lawmaker and women's rights activist. Charges against her are connected to comments reportedly made by her in an audio debate on social media in April this year.</p>

<p>According to the local media, Hashemi said that Iran's demand for Revolutionary Guards to be removed from a US terror list was "damaging" to the country's "national interest". The Revolutionary Guards are ideological arm of Iran's military.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iran: Ex-President's daughter Faezeh Hashemi charged with propaganda against regime</strong></p>

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<p>Removal of the Guards from the terror list is a key sticking point in negotiations to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal.</p>

<p>She is reported to have called Khadija a "businesswoman", showing that women can also engage in economic activity, and whose money the prophet spent.</p>

<p>She later said the comments had been a "joke... without any intention of causing insult", state news agency IRNA reported.</p>

<p>Hashemi's late father was a moderate who advocated improved ties with the West and the United States.</p>

<p>In 2012, she was sentenced to six months in jail on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic republic".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

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Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media.

Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media. "The indictment... has been issued and referred to the court on the charges of propaganda activity against the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and blasphemy," Tehran's chief prosecutor Ali Salehi said, according to the judiciary's website Mizan Online. Faezeh Hashemi (59), the daughter of the former president is a former lawmaker and women's rights activist. Charges against her are connected to comments reportedly made by her in an audio debate on social media in April this year. According to the local media, Hashemi said that Iran's demand for Revolutionary Guards to be removed from a US terror list was "damaging" to the country's "national interest". The Revolutionary Guards are ideological arm of Iran's military. Watch | Iran: Ex-President's daughter Faezeh Hashemi charged with propaganda against regime × Removal of the Guards from the terror list is a key sticking point in negotiations to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal. She is reported to have called Khadija a "businesswoman", showing that women can also engage in economic activity, and whose money the prophet spent. She later said the comments had been a "joke... without any intention of causing insult", state news agency IRNA reported. Hashemi's late father was a moderate who advocated improved ties with the West and the United States. In 2012, she was sentenced to six months in jail on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic republic". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Former Iran president's daughter charged with propaganda and blasphemy

In Nigeria, the police dispersed an angry crowd searching for a woman they accused of making a blasphemous comment against the prophet Muhammad. The protest took place days after another woman was accused of blasphemy and was killed by a mob in northwestern Sokoto.

Protests in Nigeria after arrests for ‘blasphemy’ killing of female student

Nigeria blasphemy protest: Another woman accused of Blasphemy

A female student in northern Nigerian college has been killed over her comments in a WhatsApp group which other students called blasphemous. Her body was also allegedly burned afterwards within the school premises. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Mob kills student over 'blasphemy' in Nigeria

Muslim students in northwest Nigerian city of Sokoto stoned a Christian student to death and burned her corpse after accusing her of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.

Mob kills female student over ‘blasphemy’ in Nigeria, two arrested

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16">After a school teacher in Bangladesh's Munshiganj was arrested for allegedly making disrespectful statements about Islam, his family is living in fear.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="19">Hriday Chandra Mondal, a 21-year veteran of Binodpur Ram Kumar High School, was teaching math to Class 10 students on March 20 when he allegedly made derogatory remarks regarding the Prophet.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="20">According to the Dhaka Tribune, he claimed that the Prophet (PBUH) was "a sensible person" who "authored the holy book himself and supported it."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="21">A number of pupils filed a written complaint with the headmaster later that day, stating that the teacher had made insulting remarks about Islam.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="22">Some students conducted protests, and the instructor was arrested as a result.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="23">Md Asad Miah, the school's office assistant, filed a complaint against him for "demeaning religion...as per school authorities' directions."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="24">Meanwhile, the family has accused some unruly students of stalking and harrassing Mondal.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="25">In response to the incident, Tasleema Nasreen tweeted: "A science-teacher is in jail in Bangladesh for not admitting that the Quran is based on science and Muhammad was the greatest scientist in the world. Bangladesh is becoming a country of Islamists and Hasina is the mother of all Islamists."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A science-teacher is in jail in Bangladesh for not admitting that the Quran is based on science and Muhammad was the greatest scientist in the world. Bangladesh is becoming a country of Islamists and Hasina is the mother of all Islamists.</p>
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) <a href="https://twitter.com/taslimanasreen/status/1511951641141866498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We have filed papers twice seeking his bail," Ajoy Chakraborty, the teacher's lawyer, said. However, the applications were turned down. During the next hearing on April 10, we will seek his bail once more.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="27">"Police included a section on denigrating religion in the FIR on purpose." "We have an audio clip of the conservation between the teacher and the pupils," Md Mizanur Rahman, the case's investigation officer and sub-inspector of Munshiganj Sadar Police Station, stated. However, we did not find the charge levelled against him to be true. We'll submit the charge sheet as soon as possible."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="28"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After a school teacher in Bangladesh's Munshiganj was arrested for allegedly making disrespectful statements about Islam, his family is living in fear. Hriday Chandra Mondal, a 21-year veteran of Binodpur Ram Kumar High School, was teaching math to Class 10 students on March 20 when he allegedly made derogatory remarks regarding the Prophet.

After a school teacher in Bangladesh's Munshiganj was arrested for allegedly making disrespectful statements about Islam, his family is living in fear. Hriday Chandra Mondal, a 21-year veteran of Binodpur Ram Kumar High School, was teaching math to Class 10 students on March 20 when he allegedly made derogatory remarks regarding the Prophet. According to the Dhaka Tribune, he claimed that the Prophet (PBUH) was "a sensible person" who "authored the holy book himself and supported it." A number of pupils filed a written complaint with the headmaster later that day, stating that the teacher had made insulting remarks about Islam. Some students conducted protests, and the instructor was arrested as a result. Md Asad Miah, the school's office assistant, filed a complaint against him for "demeaning religion...as per school authorities' directions." Meanwhile, the family has accused some unruly students of stalking and harrassing Mondal. In response to the incident, Tasleema Nasreen tweeted: "A science-teacher is in jail in Bangladesh for not admitting that the Quran is based on science and Muhammad was the greatest scientist in the world. Bangladesh is becoming a country of Islamists and Hasina is the mother of all Islamists." A science-teacher is in jail in Bangladesh for not admitting that the Quran is based on science and Muhammad was the greatest scientist in the world. Bangladesh is becoming a country of Islamists and Hasina is the mother of all Islamists. — taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) April 7, 2022 × "We have filed papers twice seeking his bail," Ajoy Chakraborty, the teacher's lawyer, said. However, the applications were turned down. During the next hearing on April 10, we will seek his bail once more. "Police included a section on denigrating religion in the FIR on purpose." "We have an audio clip of the conservation between the teacher and the pupils," Md Mizanur Rahman, the case's investigation officer and sub-inspector of Munshiganj Sadar Police Station, stated. However, we did not find the charge levelled against him to be true. We'll submit the charge sheet as soon as possible." (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh science teacher jailed over blasphemy, family in fear

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan has reported the death of a woman on a fictitious blasphemy claim.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">As one of the accused saw in her dream, a Madarsa teacher was brutally murdered by her female colleagues for 'committing blasphemy' in the city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">The murder occurred early in the morning outside the Jamia Islamia Falahul Binaat, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Najamul Hasnain.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">When police arrived at the crime scene, they saw the woman lying in a pool of blood with her neck slit, according to the first information report (FIR).</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">The victim was attacked with sharp objects, according to the FIR.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">The accused, aged 17, 21, and 24, respectively, killed the 21-year-old victim over blasphemy claims, according to DPO Hasnain.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">The murder weapon, as well as a register documenting the details of the dream, have been found by the authorities.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">A case has been filed, and an investigation is currently proceeding.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">All of the accused are from the South Waziristan district, but have been living in Arjumabad, DI KHan's district.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">Human rights organisations claim that blasphemy laws are frequently used in Pakistan, including against Muslims, to settle personal feuds or persecute minorities.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Teacher at a madrassa in Dera Ismail Khan murdered by her colleagues over allegations of blasphemy as seen in a dream. <a href="https://t.co/YRgKKuS1xB">pic.twitter.com/YRgKKuS1xB</a></p>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1508798630450376711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In Pakistan, almost anybody who speaks out against blasphemy laws and prosecutions risks being lynched or subjected to vigilantism on the streets.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">In Pakistan, blasphemy laws have resulted in arrests and death sentences since the late 1980s and early 1990s.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16">Despite the passage of these laws, no one has yet been put to death by a court or government decree.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="17">People have only been imprisoned while awaiting a verdict or slain by felons who believed the suspects were guilty.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="18"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan has reported the death of a woman on a fictitious blasphemy claim. As one of the accused saw in her dream, a Madarsa teacher was brutally murdered by her female colleagues for 'committing blasphemy' in the city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area.

Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan has reported the death of a woman on a fictitious blasphemy claim. As one of the accused saw in her dream, a Madarsa teacher was brutally murdered by her female colleagues for 'committing blasphemy' in the city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area. The murder occurred early in the morning outside the Jamia Islamia Falahul Binaat, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Najamul Hasnain. When police arrived at the crime scene, they saw the woman lying in a pool of blood with her neck slit, according to the first information report (FIR). The victim was attacked with sharp objects, according to the FIR. The accused, aged 17, 21, and 24, respectively, killed the 21-year-old victim over blasphemy claims, according to DPO Hasnain. The murder weapon, as well as a register documenting the details of the dream, have been found by the authorities. A case has been filed, and an investigation is currently proceeding. All of the accused are from the South Waziristan district, but have been living in Arjumabad, DI KHan's district. Human rights organisations claim that blasphemy laws are frequently used in Pakistan, including against Muslims, to settle personal feuds or persecute minorities. Teacher at a madrassa in Dera Ismail Khan murdered by her colleagues over allegations of blasphemy as seen in a dream. pic.twitter.com/YRgKKuS1xB — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) March 29, 2022 × In Pakistan, almost anybody who speaks out against blasphemy laws and prosecutions risks being lynched or subjected to vigilantism on the streets. In Pakistan, blasphemy laws have resulted in arrests and death sentences since the late 1980s and early 1990s. Despite the passage of these laws, no one has yet been put to death by a court or government decree. People have only been imprisoned while awaiting a verdict or slain by felons who believed the suspects were guilty. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Madarsa teachers kill their colleague over dream ‘blasphemy’

A mentally unstable man has been stoned to death in Pakistan. He was accused of 'desecrating the Quran'. Visuals show an enraged mob of Islamists attacking the victim with clubs & bricks. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Mentally-unstable man lynched in Pakistan over blasphemy

A mob in Pakistan's Punjab province tortured and killed a man accused of desecrating the Holy Quran. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Pakistan: Mob stones man to death for alleged blasphemy

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