Human rights advocates are denouncing the death sentence handed down to a Christian man accused of blasphemy in Pakistan.
The charges against Sawan Masih stem from an argument that occurred between him and a Muslim person. One witness testimony was presented accusing Masih of insulting the prophet Muhammad. No substantial evidence, however, was presented in the case. Masih has appealed the death sentence through his lawyer at the Lahore High Court.
According to Fides News Agency, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, a lawyer and head of the NGO Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD), criticized the sentence.
«We deplore Sawan Masih’s death sentence which has created further fear and insecurity among Christians in Pakistan,” he said. “This verdict marks the death of justice in Pakistan.»
The Pakistani lawyer filed a bail application which was rejected by the court. Gill appealed to human rights organizations to intervene in the case.
«We need all the organizations that protect human rights, in Pakistan and abroad, to raise their voices and demand the repeal of the blasphemy law in Pakistan,” he said. (J.A.E.)
