A Christian mother of four faces execution in Pakistan for a WhatsApp message she claims she didn’t even read.
At a Glance
- Shagufta Kiran sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy in Pakistan
- Conviction based on a forwarded WhatsApp message deemed insulting to Prophet Muhammad
- Case highlights dangers faced by religious minorities under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws
- Kiran’s family forced into hiding due to threats
- Over 2,000 blasphemy accusations in Pakistan since 1987, with 40 currently on death row
Christian Mother Sentenced to Death for Alleged Blasphemy
In a shocking development that underscores the precarious situation of religious minorities in Pakistan, Shagufta Kiran, a Christian mother of four, has been sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy. Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka handed down the verdict, charging Kiran with “intending to outrage religious feelings” and “insulting the Prophet Muhammad.” The sentence stems from a WhatsApp message Kiran allegedly shared, which was deemed insulting to Islam’s prophet.
The case has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s Christian community and raised alarm among human rights advocates worldwide. Kiran, who maintains her innocence, claims she merely forwarded the message without reading its contents. Her husband questioned the selective prosecution, noting that the message had been forwarded multiple times before reaching his wife.
Christian mom sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan https://t.co/9oh65nkBnt
— The Christian Post (@ChristianPost) September 20, 2024
Blasphemy Laws: A Tool for Persecution
This case shines a spotlight on Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, which critics argue are often misused to settle personal scores or target religious minorities. Since 1987, over 2,000 individuals have been accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, with 40 currently facing the death penalty. The disproportionate impact on minority communities is clear, as Christians, who make up less than 2% of Pakistan’s population, are frequently targeted under these laws.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has highlighted a disturbing trend: the lack of punishment for false accusations or vigilante violence in blasphemy cases. This creates a dangerous environment where mere accusations can lead to devastating consequences, even before any legal proceedings begin.
A Christian charity and other legal advocates say they will appeal the conviction in the case of a Christian woman in Pakistan sentenced to death under the country's stringent blasphemy laws. Outreach Director for @aidtochurch, Ed Clancy, tells us more about the incident. pic.twitter.com/bFti0cbs1U
— EWTN News Nightly (@EWTNNewsNightly) October 10, 2024
Family in Hiding, Mother in Solitary Confinement
The repercussions of Kiran’s case extend far beyond the courtroom. Her family has been forced to flee Islamabad and go into hiding due to threats against their lives. This stark reality illustrates the severe social consequences that often accompany blasphemy accusations in Pakistan, where vigilante justice can be swift and deadly.
Meanwhile, Kiran herself is being held in solitary confinement at Central Jail Adiala in Rawalpindi. Her only comfort is her Bible, a poignant reminder of the faith for which she now faces the ultimate penalty. The separation from her children, who were aged 10, 12, 15, and 18 at the time of her arrest, adds another layer of tragedy to this already heart-wrenching situation.
