PAKISTAN: Death Conviction for Blasphemy Overturned

Younis Masih is still in jail awaiting justice.

Younis Masih

(LAHORE, Pakistan) - Younis Masih’s appeal against a death sentence and fine of Rs.100,000 under Pakistan's blasphemy law has been accepted. Mr Masih was ordered to be released after he was declared innocent by the DB (Double Bench) of the Honorable Justice Khaja Amtiaz Ahmed and the Honorable Justice Mr. Khalid Mehmood Khan in the Lahore High Court.

The trial was conducted by LEAD (Legal Evangelical Association Development) lawyers and appeal was also filed by LEADS's lawyers in June, 2007 bearing Muder Ref. 263 of 2007 and appeal No. 711 of 2007 in Lahore High Court Lahore against death sentence of Younis Masih which was reopened in September 2012.

Today 3 April, 2013, Mr.Sardar Mushtaq Gill, advocate with LEAD's team, was present during court the hearing, when the case was called for announcement of judgement. Many Muslims were in attendance, as was Mr. Naseeb Anjum, High Court Advocate, and court clerk Mr. Ejaz Khokhar. The court oveturned the death sentence of Christian Younis Masih, who has been jailed 6 years for 'blashemy', ordering his release.

Gill says "We are thankful for God for justice which will be done for Younis Masih Masih by Pakistani Courts. We are hopeful that Justice must be done for Asia Bibi too.

Source: LEAD