Pakistan: Pakistani Christian Girl Raped, Another Christian Gets Death Sentence, Page 4

August 2002

Articles in this issue:  Pakistan - Our New U.S. Ally?, Page 1 | Pakistan, Page 2 | Pakistan, Page 3 | Pakistan, Page 4

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion...'” Zechariah 7:9

Pakistani Christian Girl Raped (continued)

Sadly, Shakeela's case is not an isolated one. Across Pakistan Christian women are targeted for sexual abuse by Muslims who believe they can get away with their crime because Christians have little legal recourse in the corrupt judicial system. Some Christian girls have been raped, forced to become a Muslim, and then marry the rapist. One such case is that of Naira Nadia, who was kidnapped and raped in February 2001. To date Nadia remains missing. The Lahore High Court refused to help. ICC is assisting Nadia's family to obtain legal help to have her case brought before the Supreme Court. 

ICC is urging concerned Christians to raise their voices about the treatment of Christian women in Pakistan. Write to the Pakistani Ambassador and ask for her help in securing justice for Christian victims of rape and forced marriage.

Another Christian Gets Death Sentence

Augustine Ashiq 'Kungri' Masih

To be a Christian in Pakistan means watching every word, every action, and even every glance. Among the poorest members of Pakistani society, Christians are also one of the most vulnerable victims of corruption. Any word regarding the prophet of Islam can land a Christian in jail. Simply being a better businessman than a Muslim can lead to false charges. Unfortunately, what often begins as a personal grudge escalates when Islamic fundamentalists paint it as a religious issue, pitting "true" Muslims against the infidels. Whipping up fervor against the Christians, the extremists hold much sway with the police and the courts.

On March 17, 2000 police in Ghulam Muhammadabad arrested Augustine Ashiq Masih (also known as Kungri Masih) on the order of angry extremists who claimed he had blasphemed Islam. Born into a Christian family, Augustine had decided to convert to Islam because of economic enticements and pressure from an Islamic extremist group. However, he later realized he had made a mistake and reverted to his former faith. In his heart he remained a Christian. He also reconciled with his family and again started going to church. The Muslim community, on learning this, turned against him. Rana Nisar Ahmed of the Suni Tehreek Islamic group approached Augustine and questioned him about his reversion to Christianity. Obviously angry that Augustine had abandoned Islam, Ahmed accused the Christian of uttering blasphemous remarks about the prophet. A fight ensued in which Augustine and several others were beaten. A mob of about 200 armed Muslims then stormed the village. Police were able to stop the mob and most of the violence. However, Augustine was taken into custody and charged under blasphemy law 295-C.

The case of Augustine Masih did not end there. On June 30, the court of Faisalabad found him guilty of blasphemy and sentenced him to death as well as fining him 50,000 rupees. If the verdict is not overturned, he will die by hanging.

The U.S. Congress passed a resolution on February 14, 2002, urging Pakistan to repeal the blasphemy law. The resolution was introduced on the eve of Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf's visit to the U.S.

Most of the blasphemy complaints in Pakistan arise out of personal vendettas, Muslims seeking to settle a score with a Christian. Inevitably, the accusations lead to lengthy confinement and long legal battles. Acquittals are rare. Even the minister for religious affairs, Mahmood Ghazi, a strong advocate of the blasphemy law, has admitted that most blasphemy cases originate from "ill will and personal prejudice."

The notorious blasphemy laws are incorporated into 'Section 295 C' of Pakistan's penal code. It reads: "Whoever by words, either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo, or insinuation, directly or indirectly defiles the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ... shall be punished with death and shall be liable to a fine."

(Click here for more information on Pakistan.)

POSTED:  August 17, 2002

August 2002

Articles in this issue:  Pakistan - Our New U.S. Ally?, Page 1 | Pakistan, Page 2 | Pakistan, Page 3 | Pakistan, Page 4