An 8-year-old boy is reportedly facing the death penalty after being accused of blasphemy following an incident at a religious school.
The case takes place in Pakistan where a little Hindu boy has been charged with blasphemy after getting accused of urinating on a carpet in a madrassa, an Islamic religious school, on purpose.
In the country, the act of blasphemy is punishable by death, whereas the 8-year-old boy allegedly became the youngest person ever to face the death penalty on such grounds.
Following the charges, the child was granted bail only to spark fury among the locals who in return launched an attack on a nearby Hindu temple in Punjab.
Speaking to The Guardian, a family member of the 8-year-old revealed that their entire community now lives in fear for their lives.
“He is not even aware of such blasphemy issues and he has been falsely indulged in these matters. He still doesn’t understand what his crime was and why he was kept in jail for a week,” the family member, who currently remains at an undisclosed location, said.
“We have left our shops and work, the entire community is scared and we fear backlash. We don’t want to return to this area. We don’t see any concrete and meaningful action will be taken against the culprits or to safeguard the minorities living here.”
As the news of the young boy’s case has spread across the world, activists from all around the globe have called for the charge of blasphemy to be dropped.
“I demand charges against the boy are immediately dropped, and urge the government to provide security for the family and those forced to flee,” human rights activist Kapil Dev said.
“Attacks on Hindu temples have increased in the last few years showing an escalating level of extremism and fanaticism. The recent attacks seem to be a new wave of persecution of Hindus.”
What are your thoughts on this matter? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to SHARE this post with your family and friends. For more news and stories, follow us on Facebook!
Recommended Video For You!
Three Dot Tattoos Are Popping Up All Over. Cops Now Warn If You See One, Get Far Away Fast