The application of the fixed punishment for one who falsely accuses a group of people without specifying individuals

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, how is the fixed punishment applied to one who falsely accuses a group of people without specifying them?

Answer:
If he falsely accuses the people of a town, saying, “This is a liar,” it is not possible that all the people of the town are liars. This is evidence of his lying, so he is given a discretionary punishment because the circumstances indicate that he is lying. However, if he falsely accuses a group from whom zina (unlawful sexual intercourse) or liwat (sodomy) is conceivable, then the right is established against them. If he falsely accuses a group from whom this is conceivable, such as three, five, or ten, such that it is conceivable from them, then the punishment for false accusation is applied to him. But if he falsely accuses a group from whom it is not conceivable, then he is certainly lying, so he is given a discretionary punishment, just as if he falsely accused the entire town. Yes.