In Pakistan, release of 40 imprisoned Christians

Last updated: Thu 31 Mar 2022 PM

After five years in prison, the 40 Christians arrested for the demonstrations that followed the 15 March 2015 attack on two churches in the Christian quarter of Youhanabad, Lahore, Pakistan, are now free.

The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Pakistan Bishops' Conference announced on 30 January the release of 40 Christians who were sentenced five years ago. Emmanuel Yousaf, national director of the National Justice and Peace Commission, expressed his relief: "What we have seen today is wonderful news for Pakistan. All over Pakistan, people had been praying every day for the court to rule in their favour. This is a great day for all of us," he said. "The defendants have gone through a very big ordeal and now, thank God, they are on the other side," the priest added, explaining that the Christians had now returned home with their families.

Story of an ordeal

On 15 March 2015, two suicide bombers exploded during Sunday services near the Catholic Church of St. John and the Protestant Temple of the Church of Christ in the Youhanabad district of Lahore, killing 15 worshippers and injuring 70 people. Shortly afterwards, the local Christian community began protesting. In the excitement of the moment, two Muslims were unjustly held by the crowd as responsible for the attacks on the churches and lynched to death.

Following the murder of the two men, the police carried out several raids in the Youhanabad neighbourhood and ordered the arrest of dozens of Christians. Some Muslims involved in the protests were also arrested and released shortly afterwards. 42 of the Christians were denied bail. Their trial began in 2016 before the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court. Two of them died in prison, with reports of physical abuse and pressure to convert to Islam. On 29 January 2020, the Court decided on the release of the remaining 40 detainees, while their families reached an agreement on financial compensation for the families of the two Muslims killed.

Alongside the families of the accused

"We rejoice at the liberation of each of these Christians," said Benoit de Blanpré, director of the ACN in France. But the joy of this verdict does not make us forget these 5 years spent in prison, as Asia Bibi will have spent 9, "for nothing". We think of those who are still in prison and will continue, at ACN, to work for all those who suffer so much hatred because of their faith," he said.

ACN provided extensive legal and paralegal assistance throughout the trial. The association funded legal fees, sponsored schooling for the defendants' families and offered gifts at Easter and Christmas. It also pledged to continue to assist the families of the accused, particularly in the coming year.

Source: Vatican News