Pakistan's Shame - Government Must Act.

Pakistan: Extremists threaten to burn Christian homes

Mar 14 2013

Christians in a city in Punjab have been threatened with violence and prosecution for 'blasphemy' – simply for calling for the repeal of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
About 250 Christians in Jehlem city took to the streets on Tuesday to protest about violence last weekend in Joseph colony in Lahore following the outbreak of a fresh blasphemy row (Prayer Alert, March 11). As well as standing in solidarity with Christians in Lahore, protesters demonstrated against the widespread misuse of the blasphemy laws.
Angered by the protest, extremists threatened to burn the homes of the 26 Christian families in Jehlem, which is about 120 miles from Lahore. They also called for blasphemy charges to be brought against a Christian named George Masih, who led the demonstration. They have given police until tomorrow to arrest George; unless he is detained, they will take the law into their own hands, they say.
Release partner CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement) responded to calls for help from Christians in Jehlem by travelling to the city yesterday to stand with the Christian community there. They have also called on local officials, including the state governor, to ensure the community's safety.
More than 200 homes were set alight in Joseph Colony in the Badami Bagh area of Lahore over Friday and Saturday – following accusations of blasphemy against a Christian roadsweeper named Sawan Masih. Release partners say the accusations followed a row between Sawan and a Muslim friend. Hundreds of Christians across Pakistan held demonstrations demanding greater protection in the aftermath of the Joseph colony riots. Release International.