Pakistani Christians Outraged at Release of Suspects in Girl’s Death
ICC Note
“Innocent Shazia’s blood calls for punishment of a ruthless murderer and corrupt doctors”
02/17/2010 Pakistan (The Christian Post)- Christians in Pakistan are outraged that the powerful Muslim lawyer accused of the torture, rape and murder of a 12-year-old Catholic girl was released on bail.
Muhammad Naeem, former president of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, his wife and son were released Saturday. Judge Shafiq-ur-Rehman of the
In response, the girl’s parents have appealed the judge’s decision to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. They also led a protest Sunday against the decision to release the rich and powerful lawyer charged with abusing their daughter, who served as a maid in his house.
Demonstrators on Sunday carried banners and shouted “Innocent Shazia’s blood calls for punishment of a ruthless murderer and corrupt doctors” and “The bail of murderer raises questions for rulers.” Protesters blocked the road outside of the Lahore Press Club and burned the picture of a hospital official, whom they accused of changing the girl’s death certificate.
Shazia’s case has attracted international media attention because of the victim’s young age and the vivid reminder of the unfair social and justice system in Pakistan that works against the poor.
