Pakistan: RI Partners Join in Protest Against Failure to Provide Justice
Jan 17 2006
Postings >> Pakistan

Release International partners took part in a demonstration against the government's failure to uphold justice for Punjabi Christians caught up in the Sangla Hill attacks.

Christians and Muslims joined together to protest outside the Lahore Press Club at government inaction after the raid on the village in which many Christian buildings were damaged. Joseph Francis, Coordinator of the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), a Release partner based in Lahore, was among the protestors.

The demonstration appears to have had some effect. All accusations of blasphemy have since been dropped against Yousaf Masih, the Christian alleged to have set fire to a library of Islamic books -- allegations which first triggered the riot on November 12.

In exchange, no further action will be taken against the rioters, according to the Pakistan Daily Times newspaper.

Tensions in Sangla Hill have remained high.

Campaigners for justice had alleged that the police had been tardy in their investigations, despite making 86 arrests, and that nothing had been done to protect the Christian community from continuing harassment including death threats. Christians fled their homes on the night of November 12 -- and some had been forced to leave again since then.

The All Pakistan Council of Churches had reportedly written to President Musharraf urging him to ensure the perpetrators are arrested.

Two churches were burned to the ground when the 3,000-strong mob went on the rampage; a nursing hostel, a nuns' hostel, a convent school and a number of Christian homes were also set alight.

Reconstruction work has been hampered by lack of funds, according to the Pakistan Daily Times.

• Thank God for the release of Yousaf Masih who was held in custody for almost two months. His brothers were tortured for information about Yousaf's whereabouts until he gave himself up to police. Pray that the whole family will recover from their ordeal.
• Praise God that moderate Muslims stood in solidarity with their Christian brothers to protest against government inaction. Pray that this unity will help prevent any further violence.