Pakistan : Christian Youth Sentenced Life Imprisonment under Blasphemy Laws
ICC Note
Pakistani Christians continue to suffer persecution due to blasphemy laws in Pakistan . We urge Pakistan to stop using its laws to persecute Christians.
By Shahid Anwar
01/15/2010 Pakistan (Pakistan Christian Post)- On 11th January 2010, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Additional & Session Judge, Faisalabad convicted the accused Imran Masih u/s 295-A PPC and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years plus a fine of Rs. 100,000.00/- and in default of payment, he will further undergo for 6 months. Imran Masih was also convicted u/s 295-B PPC for defiling, damaging and desecrating the extracts of Holy Quran and sentenced to life imprisonment. He is now in judicial lockup of District Jail Faisalabad to serve out the sentences awarded to him.
Imran Masih (Shopkeeper) from Hajwery Town in Faisalabad indicted and arrested on charges of blasphemy law; Article 295 paragraph A and B of the Pakistan Penal Code dates back on to 1st July of 2009. He had received charges for intentionally set on fire the Quranic verses and an Arabic Book in order to instigate religious hatred and outrage the feelings of Muslims.
