Heightened Fears for Others Accused
On Sep 18, 2024, Shagufta Kiran, a young Christian mother, was sentenced to death for blasphemy by the local Session Court in Islamabad. Under Section 295C of the Blasphemy Laws, Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka handed Kiran the death penalty and a monetary penalty of 300,000 Pakistani rupees, equivalent to $1,500 CDN. Under Section-II Peca 2016, Kiran is also punished with 7 years imprisonment.
Kiran formerly worked as a nurse. She is now married to Rafiq, and the couple has four small children. She has been detained since 2021, when she was accused of blasphemy against the prophet Mohammad through sharing news on social media. She was a member of a WhatsApp group called Pure Discussions, in which she shared a post about Mohammad that was considered inappropriate and blasphemous.
Further details about her story can be found in the coverage by Morning Star News: https://morningstarnews.org/2024/09/christian-mother-sentenced-to-death-in-pakistan-for-blasphemy/
Attorney Rana is working on an appeal to the Islamabad High Court. The Session Court has given 30 days to apply for the appeal to the higher court
An Update on Two Previously Reported Cases by CAPC
CAPC is supporting two similar cases, also involving sharing messages on social media.
Ishtiaq, a 22-year-old Christian man, faces the same draconian blasphemy charges in the local court of Islamabad. He has been charged with multiple sections of the blasphemy law, in the same court ruled by the same judge. His story was originally reported by CAPC here: https://capc.life/another-blasphemy-case-against-a-young-man/
Nearly two years later, his wife is suffering from depression, and the agony of not knowing if or when her husband will be able to return home to her and their three-and-a-half-year-old son. CAPC spoke on the phone with Ishtiaq, his wife, and his father, and they expressed their pain, agony, and heartbreak. Hearing the court ruling and sentencing of Shagufta Kiran is shattering. Ishtiaq’s next court hearing is on Oct 9, 2024.
In another case, Ashbeel, a Christian teenager not yet 18 years old, was arrested in March 2024 for blasphemy charges under Section 295A. His story was reported here: https://capc.life/18-year-old-arrested-for-blasphemy-under-295-a/ Ashbeel was let out on bail and is facing ongoing court trails. His next court hearing is on Nov 26, 2024.
Young or old, no one in Pakistan is exempt from the terrifying accusation of blasphemy. At the age of 65, Shaukat Javed Masih is facing blasphemy charges. https://capc.life/shaukat-javed-blasphemy-case/ Cases of blasphemy have increased significantly over the last two years.
CAPC attorney Lazar, a devout believer, expressed his conviction that miracles still occur today. He strongly asserts that the blasphemy accusations are unfounded and baseless. With unwavering confidence, he declared his commitment to vigorously defend the case, driven by his unshakable faith in justice and the power of divine intervention.
False blasphemy accusations strips individuals of their rights, often leading to life imprisonment, extrajudicial killings, vigilante lynching or execution by hanging.
Members of Christian Communities often face social and economic exclusion and loss of safety, leading to extreme psychological distress. In recent times there have been mob attacks and burning of homes and churches. https://capc.life/mob-sets-churches-christian-community-ablaze/
Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians (CAPC) believes that respect for human dignity and freedom of religion are fundamental rights that are brutally denied to our persecuted brothers and sisters. Recognizing the shrinking spaces for Christians, CAPC is committed to rescue and support victims of false blasphemy accusations.
Our courageous team on the ground works in dangerous situations to serve Christians suffering extreme persecution and discrimination, providing them with vital support and hope in their darkest hours.
Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians (CAPC) urgently seeks funding for justice and compassion for persecuted Christians.
Every donation enables CAPC to:
- Provide legal counsel and advocacy for victims of false blasphemy charges
- Offer humanitarian support, including food, shelter, and medical care to those in the midst of extreme suffering