Pakistani police on Friday arrested 27 workers at a cellphone company after a violent mob protest at a Karachi shopping mall over alleged blasphemy.
The protests erupted after a “WiFi device” at Star City Mall allegedly issued blasphemous comments.
The demonstrators, who had piled up posters from the mall at the scene.
“Realizing the seriousness of the case, Preedy SHO rushed to the scene, closed the device and seized it,” according to the police statement.
Police arrested 27 workers at Samsung, which had provided the device.
“Twenty-seven Samsung men have been arrested and an investigation is underway,” police said.
A police officer said they were trying to verify, with the help of the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cybercrime Wing, who is guilty of installing the device.
Meanwhile, Samsung Pakistan said in a statement that the company maintains neutrality over devout sentiments.
“Samsung Electronics has reiterated its corporate position that it strives for objectivity on all issues of devout importance. . . In reference to recent developments in Karachi, Samsung Electronics backs the corporation in its position that the company has the utmost respect for all devout emotions and ideals. and maintains the faith of Islam with the utmost respect,” he said.
The company also said it had “immediately” opened internal investigations into the case.
Blasphemy is considered a very sensitive factor in Pakistan and the accused become mere victims of extremist groups. Last year, a Sri Lankan national running in a factory was lynched among staff over allegations of blasphemy.