Activists welcome release of Pakistani Christian accused of blasphemy

Christian rights activists in Pakistan have welcomed a local court's decision to order the release of a ‎Christian labourer accused of blasphemy.  Although the charges are still pending, they said it is a rare ‎case of fair treatment when Christians are accused of contravening Pakistan's controversial blasphemy ‎laws.  ‎

Pervaiz Masih, 40, was arrested in the Pakistani city of Kasur in September after being accused by his ‎Muslim contractor of making derogatory remarks against the Prophet Mohammed - a charge he denies.  ‎He was granted bail on Oct. 8, according to his lawyer, Tahir Gull.  He was booked under a section of ‎Pakistan's criminal code that prohibits making derogatory comments that insult the prophet. The charge ‎calls for the death sentence in the case of a conviction.   The lawyer said that Pervaiz Masih had ‎expressed his respect for the Prophet Mohammed in an affidavit submitted to the court.  ‎

Joseph Francis, national director for the Center for Legal Aid and Settlement, which helps persecuted ‎Christians in Pakistan, said that the decision to release Masih on bail was rare.  Fear of backlash from ‎fanatics often results in unfavorable rulings against those accused of blasphemy, Francis said.  "It is, ‎therefore, encouraging that the matter has been decided by the lower court without any fear," he said, ‎noting that this year alone, five other people have been sentenced to death in separate blasphemy cases.‎

Shamoon Masih, Pervaiz' brother-in-law, told ucanews.com that the accusation was a result of Pervaiz ‎demanding his wages from the accuser.  The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 20, when his ‎lawyers will argue for an outright acquittal. (Source: UCAN)‎