Pakistan: Christian teenager and four relatives acquitted of blasphemy

Blasphemy charges against a Christian teenager and four of his relatives have finally been thrown out by a judge – after an agonising wait of almost two years.

A judge in Punjab acquitted Rashid, his father Salamat and three of their relatives at a hearing on January 19 – but their lives are changed forever. Release partner CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement), whose lawyers acted on behalf of the Masih family, is now helping the family relocate for fear of being attacked by extremists.

Rashid was accused of blasphemy when he tore up a sticker depicting Islam's prophet Mohammed during a schoolboy squabble (7x7, April 17, 2007). His action sparked a riot: an 80-strong mob attacked the Christian district with stones.

Recently Pakistan's Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti has raised Christians' hopes by pledging to abolish Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws.

Meanwhile, two Christian sisters aged 14 and 18 are embarking on a long legal battle for justice after being abducted, raped and forcibly converted to Islam. Two kidnappers held them for several days before handing them over to a pair of lawyers – who also tricked and abused the girls. Eventually, one of the girls managed to call the police and the alleged kidnappers and lawyers were arrested.

This is not the first reported instance of men abducting young Christian girls in Pakistan and forcibly converting them to Islam – often with impunity.

(Sources: Assist News, CLAAS, Compass Direct, The Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

Ask God to heal the abducted sisters. Pray that their friends will not reject them.

Thank God for the acquittal of Rashid Masih and family. Ask God to protect them.