Release International

A young Christian shopkeeper has been given a life sentence for 'blasphemy' – but locals insist he was 'set up' by a business rival.

Imran Masih, who is in his 20s, was convicted of desecrating the Koran after another shopkeeper accused him of burning a copy of Islam's holy book. Imran, who comes from the Hajvairy suburb of Faisalabad, insists that it was not the Koran he was burning but a pile of old business records he was throwing out of his shop.

After the incident in July, his accuser, who is reported to be part of an Islamist extremist group, allegedly used a mosque loudspeaker to incite a mob to beat Imran and ransack his shop, according to Compass Direct.

Local people said that they had seen Imran and the other shopkeeper arguing a few days previously. They believe the blasphemy charge resulted from a petty business squabble.

Imran, who was also given a ten-year sentence and fined more than £700 for 'outraging religious feelings' at the hearing on January 11, is reported to be planning to appeal to a higher court. He is being held at Faisalabad District Jail.

(Sources: Compass Direct, VOM Canada)

• Ask God to strengthen Imran and his family. Pray his appeal will be successful.
• Pray that local people will have the courage to speak up for Imran and against divisive elements trying to stir up religious intolerance.

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