CHRISTIAN CHARGED UNDER PAKISTAN'S BLASPHEMY LAW
By Jeremy Reynalds (07/10/05)
The health of a Pakistani Christian arrested in late June, and charged under Pakistan's blasphemy law, appears to be deteriorating.
According to a news release from the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), police arrested Yousaf Masih, 60, 40 kilometers east of Peshawar, NWFP, Province of Pakistan, on June 28. He was charged with blasphemy and desecration of the Koran (www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05070004.htm).
A recent news release from APMA described Masih's current condition.
"A man with broken teeth, untidy hair, sleepless eyes, restlessness, with scratches all over his body, wearing a broken chain with broken cross around his neck was brought to a separate room in the ... jail ... to meet his (wife and) family ... and (an) APMA delegation. As soon he saw his family, he burst in to tears and cried, ‘Save me, they will kill me.'"
According to the news release, on a recent visit Masih tearfully greeted the members of his family. APMA reported that the atmosphere of the room was "gloomy" and Masih's condition "pathetic."
After APMA officials prayed with Masih, he said, "I believe Jesus Lord will save me. He is the Lord of living, mightier than the rulers of this world."
According to APMA, Masih reiterated that he did not desecrate the Koran. He told APMA, "I am falsely blamed."
Masih told APMA officials that he had received "ruthless treatment" following his arrest.
APMA reported that Masih "was tortured badly. It was evident from the broken teeth and bruises he showed us on his body."
According to APMA, when Masih's fellow Muslim inmates knew what Masih was being charged with, they "abused him" and said that a blasphemer deserved to be killed. When the jail authorities found out what was going on they placed Masih in isolation.
When Masih was told by APMA officials that people worldwide were praying for him, APMA said he was "spiritually and psychologically strengthened and said, ‘I am innocent, please save me and my family.'"
The jail superintendent told APMA that Masih's life is in danger. "I fear that any criminal in the jail may take an opportunity to kill him, with an intention to inherit paradise and be forgiven. We are doing our best to protect him."
After seeing Masih's medical condition and the hostile environment in the jail, APMA and Masih's family members filed an application for bail. While officials were initially reluctant to hear the case due to its "sensitivity," APMA reported that a judge ultimately agreed to hear the application, and an exact date for doing so is pending.
According to APMA, a number of local Islamic organizations are demanding the death penalty for Masih and are holding demonstrations to press the point.
In addition, APMA reported, "Christian residents of Nowshera (www.world66.com/asia/southasia/pakistan/nowshera) are living under constant threats, fear and harassment. Some of them already have migrated to other places due to possible threats, and those who are staying ... report (experiencing) ... hostility (and ruthlessness) in the area."
Shahbaz Bhatti, APMA Chairman, asked in a news release for prayer for the entire Masih situation. He said, "Kindly pray for Yousaf Masih and his family protection and justice. Kindly pray for APMA members and lawyers who will be pleading his case, as any mishap can occur due to (the) current hostile and threatening situation ... Your prayers can save the life of Yousaf Masih and his family."
According to the World Evangelical Alliance (www.worldevangelical.org/persecute/persec_pakistan_ii_28oct03.html), "APMA is a coalition representing Pakistan's non-Muslim religious minorities (Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Balmeek, Bheel, Maingwal, Zoarastrian, Bahai and Kelash communities). Using advocacy and lobbying, APMA "raise(s) minorities' issues and concerns with the government authorities, parliamentarians, human rights organizations and media."
APMA, the World Evangelical Alliance statement continued, is assisting many victims of "discriminatory laws and blasphemy laws and also supporting and protecting victims of terrorist attacks of Islamic militants especially since 11 Sept. 2001 ... APMA is struggling to protect and ensure religious freedom in Pakistan."
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