ICC Note: Christians accused of blasphemy in Pakistan are calling on law enforcement to do a better job providing them security throughout the trial process. Religious fanatics in Pakistan have been known to target and kill religious minorities accused of blasphemy before or during the trial. Will Pakistan take steps to insure the safety of these individuals as they stand accused under one of the country’s most sensitive laws?  

04/13/2018 Pakistan (Christians in Pakistan) – Christians accused of blasphemy and facing trials in blasphemy cases are fearful for their lives. These Christian prisoners are apprehensive concerning the slackness displayed regarding their security provisions. In the view that blasphemy cases are highly sensitive, with religious zealots try to execute extra judicial punishment on the accused, these prisoners are demanding that their security be stepped up.

The Christian prisoners complained that when they are presented before the court, they are not accompanied by security personnel. Many a times, single policeman accompanies them to be presented before the court. They claimed that opponents are present during the court hearing, which poses a serious threat to their lives on the pretext of inadequate security provisions to them. Christian inmates also demanded that the court must take special steps to ensure their security during the court hearing.

For this purpose, a concerned person (identity not to be revealed for security purposes) has urged the Session Judge, CCPO Lahore, SP City Police Lahore to ensure that gunmen accompany these Christian inmates when they come and leave the court.

The letter addresses Sessions Judge saying that the prisoners in Camp Jail, Lahore are fearful for their lives due to lack of security measures. It is maintained that these prisoners are like sitting ducks for the accusing party. Due to lack of security, these Christian prisoners may face unpleasant situation. All the Christian prisoners urged for enhanced security while going for the court hearing. They demanded that they must be shifted to the court in a separate police van.

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