Death Conviction for Blasphemy, Younis Masih in Jail Awaiting for Justice

When arguments in the case began, 40 Muslims with black turbans began applying pressure on the court.

Younis Masih

(LAHORE, Pakistan LEAD) - Younis Masih’s appeal against a death sentence and a fine of Rs. 100,000 under the blasphemy law is pending with the DB (Double Bench) of the Honorable Justice Mr. Najam-Ul-Hasan and the Honorable Justice Mr. Mahmood Maqbool Bajwa. The case is being tried in the Lahore High Court Lahore. Final arguments began in September 2012.

The trial was conducted by LEAD's 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.

The court hearing of the blasphemy case was fixed for January 23, 2013. Mr. Sardar Mushtaq Gill, advocate with LEAD's team, was present during court hearing, when the case was called for arguments there were about 40 Muslims, who were with black turbans, for putting pressure on the Honorable Court. Ch. Naeem Shakar Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan requested to the court that arguments should be heard in the Court Chamber but Honorable Court encouraged by saying "No need to be scared and we have to discuss all such issue in open court", this is the indication that the honorable court is not under any kind of pressure from the extremists. The state lawyer requested to the Honorable Court that he had not yet received the case file therefore he requested for adjournment. The Honorable Justice ordered for the date in office which will be fixed later by the court office.

These are the following persons, who were present in the court,on last hearing of 23 January, 2013. LEADS's lawyers Mr. Naseeb Anjum advocate High Court, Mr. Mian Bashir Saif advocate High Court and three clerks of LADS, Mr. Ejaz Khokhar, Mr. Mubarak Masih and Mr. Aslam Masih, Mr.Liaqat John Advocate High Court associate of Ch. Naeem Shakar Advocate of Supreme Court of Pakistan) and Ch. Naeem Shakar's court clerk. There were also present in the Court Mr. Robinson Advocate High Court, Mr. Ezra Shujat Advocate High Court and his son, and Mr. Joseph Francis and his two lawyers and two clerks.

The allegation on Younis Masih of blasphemy was same as is on Martha Bibi accused under blasphemy whose trial still is being conducted in Additional and session judge Lahore. One more shocking and considerable thing that the wordings of allegation was almost same on both Younis Masih and Martha Bibi. Martha Bibi is on bail which was allowed in 2007, her trial is being conducted in which last cross examination is remained. After this the arguments will be argued for final decision of the Court.

We are thankful for God for justice which will be done for Rimsha Masih by Pakistani Courts. The allegation on Rimsha Masih was almost same as on Khuram Shahzad accused of blasphemy under section 295 B PPC. He has been allowed bail by Lahore High Court Lahore on dated 22 October 2012. The application has been submitted in the Court for dismissing charge against Khuram Shahzad because he had not acted any blasphemy.

LEAD is a Christian relief,development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with Children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus,we are motivated by God's grace and love to serve all people regardless of race,religion gender or ethnicity.

Service In Christ,

LEAD's Team