09/03/2020 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – According to the media outlet Naya Daur, at least 42 blasphemy cases have been registered in Pakistan in the last 30 days. This data was reportedly compiled by a social media user and published on Twitter.
Most of the 42 blasphemy accusations were made against the Shia community with charges coming under Section 295-A and Section 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. However, members of Pakistan’s Christian and Ahmadiyya community are also reported to be among the 42 accused.
Earlier this week, International Christian Concern (ICC) reported that David Masih, a Christian from Pakistan’s Khybar Pakhtunkhwa province, was arrested and charged with blasphemy on August 30. According to local reports, Masih was accused of desecrating a Quran after residents in Risalpure discovered pages of the Quran in a drain on August 27.
In Pakistan, false accusations of blasphemy are widespread and often motivated by personal vendettas or religious hatred. Accusations are highly inflammatory and have the potential to spark mob lynchings, vigilante murders, and mass protests.
Currently, 25 Christian are imprisoned on blasphemy charges in Pakistan, including David Masih. These 25 Christians are defendants in 22 blasphemy cases represented at various levels of the judicial process in Pakistan.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
