ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistani YouTuber Rajab Butt, who is facing legal action for allegedly offending religious sentiments, has issued a public apology from Masjid al-Haram while performing Umrah. The controversy stems from the launch of his perfume, “295,” a product named after Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which sparked backlash from various religious groups.
In a video shared on social media, Butt, dressed in Ihram, solemnly apologized for the incident and invoked Allah as his witness, asserting that he had no malicious intent. “I swear by this holy place that I did nothing intentionally,” he said, emphasizing that the controversy was born out of ignorance rather than any deliberate disrespect.
The Controversy Surrounding “295”
The trouble began when Butt introduced his perfume, “295,” in a YouTube vlog. The name, referencing Section 295 of Pakistan’s Penal Code, which deals with blasphemy, was interpreted by many as an insult to the country’s religious sentiments. The perfume’s name drew strong criticism, particularly from religious groups like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), leading to calls for legal action.
Haider Ali Shah Gillani, a leader of the TLP, lodged a formal complaint, accusing Butt of offending religious values. The complaint prompted police to file a case against him under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which could result in a prison sentence of up to ten years if he is convicted.
Butt’s Apology and Appeal for Understanding
In his video recorded from Mecca, Butt held a Quran and reaffirmed his respect for Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. “I apologize for the words I uttered during the launch of the perfume,” he stated, emphasizing that any offense was unintentional. The YouTuber also appealed to religious scholars, the Punjab government, and the Pakistan Army for justice, insisting that he had been falsely accused.
Butt claimed that an important part of his original video, where he explained his intentions, had been edited out, which he believes led to a misunderstanding. His appeal for justice and his plea for the charges against him to be reconsidered were clear in his statement.
The Legal Fallout
Following the public outcry, Butt deleted the promotional video for the perfume and announced that he would discontinue the product. The legal battle has intensified, with Butt’s defense leaning on his lack of malicious intent. This is not the first time the YouTuber has found himself in legal trouble. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to possessing an undocumented wild animal after receiving a lion cub as a wedding gift. He avoided jail time by agreeing to produce animal rights awareness videos.
At the conclusion of his apology, Butt reiterated his heartfelt regrets and sought forgiveness from Allah, His Messenger, and the Muslim community for any offense caused, stressing that he never intended to disrespect anyone.
As the legal proceedings continue, the controversy surrounding Rajab Butt’s “295” perfume and his public apology has sparked widespread debate, raising questions about the boundaries of free expression and the protection of religious sentiments in Pakistan.
