Release International

The brutal treatment of Christians accused of blasphemy has been brought into fresh focus with the stories of two different Pakistani men.

The death of a man named Bashir Masih in Bahawalpur city's Central Jail in Punjab has prompted rumours that he was in fact murdered. The local press reported that Bashir, who was accused of blasphemy, was electrocuted in a 'suicide bid'; the prison authorities are quoted as saying he died of a 'heart attack'. RI partners are to carry out an investigation.

Meanwhile, RI partner Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) reports serious concerns over the welfare of Ranjha Masih, serving a life sentence for blasphemy in Central Jail, Faisalabad.

Ranjha, who has been in jail for eight years, was granted the right to appeal three years ago but his case has yet to go back to court, says CLAAS. On a recent visit, CLAAS found that Ranjha was in poor health and was constantly tormented by Muslims claiming they could secure his release if he converted to Islam.

• Pray for the grieving family of Bashir Masih. Pray that RI partners would be able to help them establish the truth of what happened.
• Ask God to send His Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen Ranjha Masih in his prison cell. Pray that his appeal and acquittal will quickly follow now.

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