Imagine innocently chatting on WhatsApp only to suddenly become the target of vigilante investigators accusing you of committing blasphemy online, a crime punishable by death in Pakistan. This nightmare became a reality for Aroosa Khan’s son, who is just one of many young men facing trial in Pakistani courts for allegedly making blasphemous statements on social media platforms, including WhatsApp.
The number of arrests for online blasphemy has significantly increased in recent years, with cases brought to trial by private vigilante groups comprised of lawyers and volunteers who actively search the internet for offenders. This disturbing trend highlights the growing influence of these groups in targeting individuals for alleged blasphemy, a serious offense in Pakistan.
Rights groups and law enforcement agencies are raising concerns about the rise in such cases and the methods used by these vigilante groups to identify and bring individuals to trial for online blasphemy offenses.