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CLAAS
World News

Prayers 'crucial' for release of Pakistani Christian on death row

by Eno Adeogun

Sawan Masih was accused of committing blasphemy by his Muslim friend in 2013 - a crime which has a mandatory death penalty if found guilty in the country.

He denies the claim, and has maintained that his friend made up the lie about him to settle a property dispute.

 

On 27th March 2014, the Lahore High Court sentenced him to death.

The Christian charity, Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) is dedicated to helping persecuted Christians in Pakistan and filed an appeal against the conviction.

Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK said: "Sawan Masih's wife and three children are very concerned and living in fear.

"CLAAS is providing free legal aid to Sawan Masih and supporting his family, but your prayers and support are very crucial for his safety and release."

After a mosque broadcast the accusation via loudspeakers, a mob of more than 3,000 Muslims attacked Mr Masih's home in Joseph Colony in the city of Lahore.

AP Photo/Shakil Adil

They also looted and torched 180 other homes of Christians, 75 shops and at least two churches.

Christians in Pakistan often face persecution.

Earlier this month Christian mother-of-five, Asia Bibi was acquitted after spending 8 years on death row, also accused of insulting Islam's Prophet Muhammad.

However, due to protests by hard-line Islamists calling for her public execution, she has been kept at a secret location in Pakistan. Her family is also in hiding.

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