PAKISTAN: Landlords Charged for Rape of Minor Christian Girl

Two men allegedly raped the 15-year girl, who was held in confinement by one of the co-accused when she went to get milk.

Photo: LEAD

(KASUR, Pakistan) - A Pattoki court has filed rape charges against two Muslim landlords and put them on trial for allegedly raping a minor Christian girl at their residence on January 25, 2013.

Additional sessions judge Ijaz Hassan Awan fixed the case for recording of prosecution's evidence on July 9, 2013.

The court charged Shabir and Sher Muhammad with rape under the Pakistan Penal Code.

"And, I hereby, direct you the accused be tried for the offence punishable u/s 376 read with section 109 PPC," the judge said.

The two had allegedly raped the girl, who was held in confinement at the residence of one of the co-accused when she went to get milk, the girl said.

On 14 June, 2013, Lahore High Court Lahore dismissed the bail plea of Shabir, who had been arrested by police, for raping the 15-year-old Christian girl. The accused Sher Muhammad also applied for pre-arrest bail in the court, his next court date is set for 9 July, 2013. Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill, National Director of LEAD filed fresh power of attorney on behalf of the victim.

The Christian family was pressured for compromise by the police also, however, during the bail petition a few days ago, the Muslims accused of the rape enlisted law enforcement cooperation from the city of Muridkey and pressured the family for compromise. With the intervention of LEAD (Legal Evangelical Association Development) the police officer was dismissed from job and Masih was released and discharged from false case.The presusure of landlords accused still on family.

In Pakistan minorities are living under fear and they are discriminated on the basis of the religion and culture. They are mostly victims of bounded labour, torture, rape, charges of blasphemy and many others. They are considered lower caste or second class people.

We ask for moral support for the continuity of work which LEAD provides in Pakistan.

Regards,

LEAD