The Voice of the Martyrs learned late last week that a Pakistani court has upheld the conviction and life sentence of two Christians accused of blasphemy against the Koran. In February 1999, Jhang Amjad and Asif Masih were arrested on charges of vagrancy. While in police custody, authorities claim that they set fire to a copy of the Koran. Amjad and Asif claim that the police officers set fire to the book themselves because they refused to pay a bribe.
However, the Lahore High Court has agreed with the prosecution, saying that, "The act of the accused was calculated to outrage the religious feelings of the Muslim(s)." The court also said, "There is not even a remote possibility that the police officials who were all Muslims could willfully dare or even think of desecrating the Holy Quran in the manner it was done." It is expected that the decision will be appealed to Pakistan's Supreme Court.
Please pray for Amjad and Asif, as well as their families. Pray for protection in prison and for a successful appeal. Family members of those convicted of blasphemy regularly face discrimination and threats. Pray for protection and strength for their families.
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