Pakistan: Woman Forced from Home After Acquitted
Dec 05 2006
Postings >> Pakistan

The Pakistani courts have acquitted a Punjabi Christian woman accused of blasphemy -- but her neighbours have forced her out of her home.

A judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict Naseem Bibi who was alleged to have desecrated the image of a Muslim holy place, Khana Qaba, during a row with locals. RI's partner in Pakistan, Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), claims Naseem was the target of a plot to remove Christians from a strong Muslim area of Kasur. On March 3 this year, Naseem, who is a street-sweeper and a mother-of-four, was approached by a large crowd of Muslims demanding to buy her house -- the only Christian home in the neighbourhood. Tensions were still high, following the publication of the Danish cartoons of Mohammed and their reproduction in European media.

When Naseem refused to sell, Muslims allegedly raided her home, beat her and desecrated a crucifix. In return, Naseem reportedly threw a picture of Khana Qaba at them. By the time the police arrived, people had tried to set Naseem's house ablaze. But it was Naseem who was arrested -- and then held in solitary confinement. She was finally granted bail in April, and she and her family have been in hiding ever since.

Meanwhile, Ranjha Masih, who was acquitted of blasphemy earlier this month after eightand-a-half years in jail, has been admitted to hospital for surgery relating to his diabetes. His health deteriorated sharply in jail and he was denied medical treatment. In a testimony given after his release, Ranjha says he was beaten every day of his detention. But his faith stood firm, he says: 'Hundreds of cards and letters poured in from around the world strengthening my faith and encouraging me to fight back and resist evil.'

Pray for the safety of Naseem, her husband Gulzar and their four children. Pray that they will be able to resettle somewhere where they can live in peace.

Pray for the physical and spiritual healing of Ranjha Masih after his ordeal. Pray for CLAAS lawyers as they seek justice for people like Ranjha and Naseem.