Pakistan Christian TV - Blasphemy victims struggle in hiding

Blasphemy victims struggle in hiding - CLAAS

Lahore, Pakistan: January 20, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

A husband and wife falsely accused of blasphemy say they are facing severe difficulties as a result of the ongoing case against them. Ruqqiya Bibi and Munir Masih have been forced to go into hiding as a result of the blasphemy charge filed against them on 19 December 2008 under section 295-B of the Pakistani penal code.

With the help of CLAAS, the couple were released on bail from the police station in Mustafabad Kasur.

Ruqqiya and Munir were initially cleared of the charges following a police investigation but pressure from fundamentalists prompted the authorities to lay the charges against the couple again. CLAAS believes the police gave in to considerable bribery.

Ruqqiya and Munir were eventually cleared for a second time and, with the help of CLAAS, were granted bail. Last month, police submitted a challan, or investigation, to the Session Court in Kasur. The case is ongoing and evidence is being presented at hearings on a daily basis.

When the couple visited the CLAAS office after a court hearing on January 14th, they admitted to feeling the strain of the legal proceedings and having to live in hiding.

CLAAS is supporting the couple financially by paying for their rent, food and other necessities each month but they are under constant pressure from the police and opponents, Ruqqiya said.

Munir told CLAAS that it had become impossible for him to work openly because of the case and that things had been so tight that they sometimes did not even have enough money to cover the cost of the fare to the court hearings.

Ruqqiya added that the forthcoming marriage of her eldest daughter Sonia has been thrown into jeopardy because her fiancé’s parents are refusing to let the marriage go ahead as a result of the blasphemy charge.

Ruqqiya and Munir fear the outcome of the case and are anxious not to create any problems for the parents of their prospective son-in-law. Yet they remain certain that Christ their Saviour will steer them through their present difficulties and help them overcome this false accusation.

Nasir Saeed, the director of CLAAS UK, said: “It is awful that so many Christians who are peaceful and law abiding citizens are suffering because of the misuse of this law. Families are falling apart and live under constant fear for their lives simply because this law hangs like a sword over their heads.”

In the past year, several churches were set on fire and at least seven Christians were burnt alive in the violence that hit Kasur, Korian and Gojra. Despite the numerous promises from the Pakistani government, there are still no signs that it is taking this matter seriously.

CLAAS is campaigning at an international level to have the blasphemy law repealed or at the very least significantly amended to protect Christians. In October 2009, CLAAS submitted a petition with 9,356 signatures to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva.

Mr Saeed added: “I understand that it is not easy to bring about changes in this law but
we will continue to push for them because they are necessary. We will continue to support our brothers and sisters who are victimised by these laws and advocate and campaign tirelessly until these laws are changed.”

Please pray for Ruqqiya and Munir and the charges brought against them under sections 295-B and 295-C of the Pakistani penal code. Please also pray for the CLAAS legal team as the trial continues, that God may bless them with success and that Ruqqiya and Munir will be able to live in peace and security with their children.

For more detail visit www.claas.org.uk

Blasphemy victims struggle in hiding - CLAAS

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