Pakistan Churches Set on Fire After Blasphemy Accusations: Videos Surface on Social Media

August 17, 2023 20:05

Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of people armed with batons and sticks attacking religious centers and private homes of the Christian community

Photogallery – Pakistan, churches set on fire after blasphemy accusations against two Christians

In Pakistan at least 21 churches have been looted and set on fire in the city of Jaranwala, in the eastern province of Punjab. The attacks were carried out in response to alleged acts of blasphemy committed by two Christians, later arrested, against the Koran. This is what the Pakistani site reports Geo, quoting a Christian leader, Akmal Bhatti. Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of people armed with batons and sticks attacking religious centers and private homes of the Christian community, setting them on fire. Punjab Information Officer Amir Mir said that “dozens of people who disturbed the peace” have been arrested.

Arrested for blasphemy The two Christians, Amir and Raki Masih, are accused of having “profaned the Koran, insulted the Prophet and the Muslims” and have been indicted for blasphemy. They are in the custody of the counter-terrorism department, Punjab Chief Justice Mohsin Naqvi specified in X. The police had only managed to put down the attacks on the churches with the promise that the two Christians would be arrested.

High voltage remains in Pakistan In the country, the security of churches has been strengthened, with a massive deployment of the police. Intervention prompted by the moderator of the Church of Pakistan, the Protestant bishop Azad Marshall, who declared on Twitter that “Bibles have been desecrated and Christians have been tortured and harassed, having been unjustly accused of violating the Holy Koran”.

Commenting on the bishop’s post, the interim prime minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, said he was “devastated by the images coming from Jaranwala”, announcing “severe actions against those who violate the law and target minorities” and assuring that “the Government of Pakistan stands by its citizens on an equal basis”.

Over 100 arrests Over 100 people have been arrested in connection with the attacks. This was reported by the provincial police in a statement, underlining that no victims were reported during the riots. The police stressed that video footage of the incidents will also be analyzed in the investigation into the violence.

Churches burned, the condemnation of Tajani Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the attacks on Christian churches in the Pakistani province of Punjab. “Due to accusations of blasphemy, which were unfounded, several Christian churches in the Jaranwala area were attacked – he wrote on Twitter. – I renew my appeal for an end to all forms of violence against religious minorities and the freedom to demonstrate your creed”.

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2023-08-17 18:00:00
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