According to reports on the BBC and in the Register and other international news sources, a complainant in Pakistan has initiated a process against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg which could invoke the death penalty or, at least, life in prison, over the “Draw Muhammad” contest that was being hosted on Facebook.
The complainant, Pakistani attorney Muhammad Azhar Siddique, filed what is known as a First Information Report (FIR), pursuant to Pakistan’s penal code statute Section 295-C which reads, in the part which should most concern Zuckerberg, “Use of derogatory remark etc, in respect of the Holy Prophet, whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly, defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable for fine.”
Pakistan had banned Facebook following the announcement of the ‘Draw Muhammad” contest, although the ban was lifted, according to the Pakistani English-language news site, The News, after the Pakistan Inter-ministerial Committee for evaluation of offensive websites had “held two meetings on May 19 and May 26 to assess the situation emerging after the ban on the site. The committee formed a ‘crisis cell’ and contacted the management of Facebook, which had assured the government of Pakistan that due to concern of people and provision of Pakistani laws on blasphemy, Facebook would itself block and delete delivery of any such content, besides closing the accounts of originators and users. Owners of the site have also showed willingness to host joint meetings with the Pakistani authorities.”
Nonetheless, lawyer Siddique has been quoted as saying that he is waiting for authorities to contact Interpol to arrest Zuckerberg.
While Zuckerberg and his Facebook have been in hot water lately over issues of Facebook privacy (or lack thereof), even we think that a death sentence may be a bit of overkill.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.
CashApp us
Venmo us
Paypal us
Life in prison, on the other hand, perhaps not so much.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.
CashApp us
Venmo us
Paypal us
I often find these so call ‘muslims’ likes to kill in the name of God. No wonder the world is in chaos!
Never before have I heard such madness in the name of religion!
Interpol, indeed!
Well, I can see right now that the Pakistan government has not taken the classes oh how to be “politically correct” or “tolerant”.
I agree that the contest may have been in bad taste however for them to pursue the death penalty or life in prison is a little bit too much. I guess Pakistan has not heard that the Internet is a global network and that they can not govern how it is used any more than the USA can. It also amazes me that anyone can desecrate the name of Jesus Christ by drawing pictures, making movies which portray HIM as someone who is to be ridiculed and that is perfectly ok. Give me a break…