Nouman Masih - 22-year-old Christian Youth
Under Draconian Blasphemy Laws a Christian youth, Nouman Masih, 22–year–old son of Asghar Masih (masih means Christ)was sentenced to death in the blasphemy case dated May 30, 2023. MuhammadHafeezur Rehman Khan, Additional Sessions Judge, Bahawalpur, pronounced the decision of the case which has been in delay for the last five months since January 2023.
He is imprisoned in Central Jail, Bahawalpur, southwest Punjab. The trial of the case has been pending for four years, and today the death sentence was pronounced for Nouman Masih in the blasphemy case.
Case No. 366/19 was registered against Nouman Masih on the complaint of Muhammad Arshad Nadeem on 1.7.2019 in Bagdad Al–Jadeed, Bahawalpur police station under Section 295.C of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Nouman Masih, who was sent to Bahawalpur, was accused by the plaintiff Muhammad Arshad Nadeem, who apparently was informed by an informant that Nouman Masih was sitting at Family Park, So Foot Road, Islamic Colony at around 3:30 a.m. along with four or five more persons, and that he was both showing religiously offensive photos and also sharing on a WhatsApp group and social media.
He is imprisoned in Central Jail, Bahawalpur, southwest Punjab. The trial of the case has been pending for four years, and today the death sentence was pronounced for Nouman Masih in the blasphemy case.
Case No. 366/19 was registered against Nouman Masih on the complaint of Muhammad Arshad Nadeem on 1.7.2019 in Bagdad Al–Jadeed, Bahawalpur police station under Section 295.C of the Pakistan Penal Code.Nouman Masih, who was sent to Bahawalpur, was accused by the plaintiff Muhammad Arshad Nadeem, who apparently was informed by an informant that Nouman Masih was sitting at Family Park, So Foot Road, Islamic Colony at around 3:30 a.m. along with four or five more persons, and that he was both showing religiously offensive photos and also sharing on a WhatsApp group and social media.
Another Case No. 353/19 BJRM 295C dated 29.06.2019 was registered against Nouman Masih’s cousin Sunni Waqas in Faqirwali Police Station, Bahawalnagar District, in which Nouman Masih was also named. Keeping in view the sensitive nature of the case, Nouman Masih’s counsel Lazar Allah Rakha reached Central Jail Bahawalpur early. The accused was brought from inside the prison to a room adjacent to the courtroom under strict security. Nouman Masih’s attorney Lazar said that this decision is the murder of justice. No witness has come forward, even during the investigation to confirm the FIR, and there is no appropriate evidence against Nouman Masih. The whole case is full of innumerable contradictions. On what basis has the accused been given such a severe punishment?
The parents of Nauman have requested CAPC for help and safety. The appeal to the higher court (Lahore High Court) against the verdict has been filed