A young Christian man in Lahore, Pakistan, has been granted bail one day after being detained in police custody following accusations of “blasphemy”.
Maan Masih, 21 years old, was accused of pulling down a banner containing the name of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, in the street on 6 September.
The day was a public holiday, Eid Milad-un-Nabi, celebrated by the Muslim community. Streets were bedecked with flags and banners bearing the name of Muhammad and poetry related to the Eid. When Maan joined a group of friends in the street, a Muslim youth made the accusation of desecrating the banner.
Maan (black tee-shirt, in handcuffs) being briefed by a legal representative while in police custody [Image credit: HARDS]
When the accusation spread through the community, Christian and Muslim leaders, as well as Barnabas legal partners, tried to resolve the matter. However, extremist groups demanded Maan’s immediate arrest.
Our partners reported that the extremists “gave an ultimatum, stating, ‘If Maan does not surrender himself, we will protest against him and his family, and the entire Christian community will face the consequences.’”
On Sunday 7 September, fearing for their son’s safety and the potential for serious harm, Maan’s parents voluntarily handed him over to the police. A few hours after his arrest, a complaint was registered under Section 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code. This section prohibits the utterance of words or making sounds or gestures with the intent to wound religious feelings. The offence is punishable with up to one year’s imprisonment or with a fine, or both.
The case was taken up by Barnabas partners. Maan spent only one night behind bars in police custody. On 8 September the court ordered the submission of surety bonds worth PKR 50,000 (£130; $156; €143) for bail. The required amount was duly submitted. The court accepted Maan’s bail plea, allowing him to return home.
How you can pray
Give thanks for the swift answer to prayer with the successful bail application. Please remember Maan and his family in your prayers as legal proceedings continue. Ask for their protection from any retaliation by extremist sections of the Muslim community. Pray that justice will prevail for Christians unjustly accused of “blasphemy” in Pakistan.
