Mashal Khan's family files petition, challenges ATC verdict

Family of Mashal Khan, who was killed after blasphemy allegations, have filed a petition in the Peshawar High Court on Wednesday, challenging the anti-terrorism court’s (ATC) verdict to acquit 26 of the suspects involved in the lynching case.

According to local media reports, the petition, which was filed by Mashal's brother, Aimal Khan, states that those who have been acquitted can be seen in the video of the incident when Mashal was being tortured to death. The petitioner has appealed the court not to allow the suspects to be acquitted.

Mashal Khan case: One sentenced to death, five sent to prison for 25 years

On February 7, the ATC had announced its verdict and sentenced one of the prime suspect Imran to death, while sending five suspects to prison for 25 years. Whereas, the ATC had acquitted 26 of the suspects involved in the case while awarding four years of imprisonment to 25 other suspects in the case.

Mashal, a 23-year-old student of mass communication and media studies at Abdul Wali Khan University was lynched by a mob on April 13, 2017 after blasphemy allegations. The video of his murder, which circulated on social media, was also presented as evidence in front of the court.