Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt is charged under Pakistan’s strict Blasphemy Law (Section 295) for his Muharram Video
Rajab Butt, a popular online social media influencer with engaging YouTube and TikTok videos, has fallen into the whirlpool of a turbulent legal and ethical controversy. A fresh case was recently filed against him under Pakistan’s strict Blasphemy Law (Section 295) and the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) after a video he uploaded during Muharram, a holiest of months in Islam.
Butt, who has hundreds of thousands of followers on social media, stands accused of “hurting religious sentiments” with a provocative video in which he reportedly criticized Yazid, the legendary tyrant of Islamic history. His critics say that the words he used promoted hatred and disrespected the holiness of the mourning month, especially for Shia Muslims.
Understanding the Allegations
The video under consideration was uploaded in the initial days of Muharram, a month when Muslims around the world celebrate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) grandson. In the clip, Rajab Butt is said to have made acerbic comments against Yazid ibn Muawiya, a person who is universally criticized in Islamic history for his action during the Battle of Karbala.
While criticism against Yazid is prevalent in most religious circles, the platform and mode of delivery have raised alarm. Authorities assert that Rajab’s remarks were against cybercrime laws in that they “spreading hate speech and hurting religious sentiments,” triggering an FIR under Section 295 an extremely serious offense in Pakistan and sections of PECA dealing with online incitement.
The reaction of the public to the Rajab Butt blasphemy case has been immediate and polarized. On the one hand, religious conservatives have called for severe punishment, claiming that religious issues particularly in times of sacred months should not be turned into grist for online celebrity.
On the other hand, most digital rights activists, creators of content, and defenders of free speech have also expressed strong reservations regarding the legal action. They contend that Rajab Butt was exercising his right to freedom of expression and that historical commentary, particularly on controversial personalities such as Yazid, should not be criminalized, especially where no direct insult of sacred personalities was committed.
One of the supporters posted on social media, “Blasphemy over condemning Yazid. It’s history. Silencing opinions simply ignites division.”
The Blasphemy Law and Online Speech
Pakistan blasphemy laws have been a contentious issue at home and abroad for a long time. Although these laws were enacted to safeguard religious harmony, they have been criticized as often being misused to settle personal vendettas or stifle opposition. Mixing PECA provisions into such cases makes it all the more complex because it makes it hard to distinguish between respect for religions and freedom in the online space.
Legal experts are warning that the case is precedent-setting. Conviction of Rajab Butt could have a chilling effect on social commentary and online speech, particularly on sensitive historical and religious issues.
What’s Next for Rajab Butt?
As the case continues, the future of Rajab Butt is uncertain. His lawyers are said to be working on a defense that will focus on his intent, the context, and his right to free speech. The influencer has not released an extensive public statement but indicated that he never intended to hurt anyone’s beliefs.
In the meantime, the case remains in the spotlight at a national level, fueling uncomfortable but much-needed debates regarding the confluence of religion, expression, and law under Pakistan’s digital realm.
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