Release partners report a sharp rise in the number of Christian girls
being raped – as they support two families in Punjab whose daughters have been
attacked.
In the most recent assault, two Christian sisters, aged 14 and 16, were
attacked as they went out into the fields to go to the toilet in a village in
Jaranwala district on November 28. The girls’ family allege that three males
assaulted them repeatedly overnight.
The girls’ family say they have been threatened and warned not to press
charges. They also allege the police have obstructed attempts to gather medical
evidence. Release partners are ensuring the girls get the medical care and legal
assistance they need.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in Punjab, other Release partners are supporting the
family of a 14-year-old girl believed to have been abducted on November 26,
forcibly converted to Islam and married to her kidnapper. Local Christians and
Muslims in Thatha Gondal have been involved in negotiations to return the girl
to her family.
Release partners say Christians who are forcibly converted to Islam are
at high risk of extremist attack – if they are seen not to adhere to Islamic
codes. Release Int.
