A Christian accused of Blasphemy

Khurram Masih 25 a resident of Qazi town, Shahdra Lahore was accused of Blasphemy on Monday evening. Masih who got married 2 months ago, living with his family and a mason by profession was installing the marble at the residence of Abdul Majeed, after completing the work he was sitting with other workers, after completing work they Masih collected the left over pieces of paper, news papers and planks of wood and burnt them.

Abdul Majeed saw that the leftovers were burning, he started shouting that Khurram Masih had torn the Quran and burnt the pieces of the Quran, the other laborers also gathered and assaulted Masih and took him to the police station.

Abdul Majeed filed an application for the registration of a blasphemy case against Khurram Masih. The religious leaders along with human rights activists gathered at the police station tried to get the matter sorted, but the police and the local residents were not willing to let Masih go and kept on insisting of registering a FIR ( First Information Report).

On Tuesday morning the FIR number 1112/11 for 295/B under the PPC ( Pakistan Penal Code) was registered against Khurram Masih.

Human Rights organizations Masihi Foundation, Life for All, activists Khalid Shahzad and Khalid Gill were present at the police station to get the matter sorted, they demanded protection for the accused and protested for the false case.

The extremist groups announced on the loud speakers that a Christian has desecrated the Quran and must be punished for the act, they spread hatred towards the Christians. The activists and the organizations expressed their concern for Khurram Masih`s safety. As he is not safe in the Shahdra police station.

Father Francis Xavier from the Lahore diocese said, " This is indeed a sad incident, the young man has been falsely accused for Blasphemy. His life is in danger in the police station. The person who filed the complaint is also linked with religious groups and is known for his hatred for the non-Muslims. Announcements have been made in the area about the incident, hatred towards the Christians is being spread. We fear for Khurram Masih`s life, he must be provided protection from the people announcing to kill him. The authorities must step forward and take necessary action to safe guard the precious lives."

Xavier Patras William

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