New Pakistani social media law could make already infamous ‘blasphemy laws’ more powerful


by Jordan Hilger, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Pakistan introduced a new law on Jan. 28 requiring social media outlets to remove “unwanted or slanderous” content within 24 hours, and Christians fear it could extend the reach of blasphemy laws that already carry a heavy penalty.

Under sections 295-C and 295-B of the Pakistani penal code, death is prescribed for those who slander Muhammad, and a life sentence for those perceived to be dishonoring a Quran.

“We already warn Christians to be careful of what they are posting,” said a contact at Barnabus Fund. “Christians are in danger of attack or arrest if potentially ‘offensive’ content is found on their Facebook pages, even if it was posted by someone else.’’

The new law carries a penalty of a $3.2 million dollar fine for any company that fails to remove content deemed offensive within the amount of time listed, which could be as few as six hours in “emergency cases.”

Pakistan is number five on Open Doors USA’s World Watch List for persecution of Christians worldwide.

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