Citation

Asif M, Weenink D, Mascini P. Br. J. Criminol. 2023; 63(6): 1441-1459.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/bjc/azac106

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Based on case studies of seven (attempted) lynchings in Pakistan, we argue that they can be considered lynching rituals, which are instrumental in a context of political strife. 'Shrpsnd anasr' (agitators) play an important role as ritual engineers; they assemble crowds by spreading rumours and vocalizing accusations, use rhythmic chanting and slogan repetition to generate a shared vengeful mood and focus the crowd's attention on the (fabricated) encroachment of a moral imperative (notably blasphemy). We conclude that the vengeful effervescence generated in lynching rituals strengthens the clientelistic interdependency networks of religious-political leaders. The contribution of our study lies in demonstrating the importance of bodily practices in lynching rituals and their instrumental political value for both masses and political leaders.

Language: en