DOUBLE LIFE SENTENCE FOR CHRISTIAN ‘BLASPHEMER’

9 May 2002

Aslam Masih, a Pakistani Christian, was given a double life sentence and a fine of RS 100,000 (around  £1,150) by Additional and Sessions Court Judge Mian Safdar Saleem on 7 May. Aslam was charged and imprisoned in Faisalabad under Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws in 1998. Aslam and his lawyers will be filing an appeal against his sentence with the High Court within the next five days.

Under Section 295B of Pakistan’s penal code anyone defiling a copy of the Qur’an is subject to life imprisonment. Under Section 295C anyone criticising or insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad is subject to a death sentence. Because virtually no evidence above the word of a Muslim accuser is needed to bring a guilty verdict against a non-Muslim defendant the blasphemy laws have been exploited by some Muslims who have used them to advance themselves or settle personal grudges against innocent Christians or other religious minorities by making false accusations. Although no Christian has yet been executed under the law, several cases are now pending. Once an accusation has been made the Christian victim is guilty forever in the eyes of Islamic extremists, even if he is acquitted by the courts. Several Christians have been murdered after the cases against them have been overturned; others have been forced into hiding with their families.

Pray

Pray for Aslam, that his case will be overturned and he will be released. Ask that the Lord will encourage, strengthen and sustain Aslam at this most difficult time.

Pray for wisdom and guidance for Aslam’s lawyers.

Pray that the blasphemy laws will be repealed and that all those currently facing prison or death sentences under them will be released.

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