PERSECUTION DES CHRETIENS AU PAKISTAN

10/21/09 Pakistan (CLAAS) Gojra Christians want justice, not aid- Christians in Gojra have refused to accept US aid and have instead demanded that the perpetrators of recent attacks against them be brought to justice. Still no formal charge has been laid down against Qadir Awan, despite the fact that he is believed to be the mastermind behind the attacks that left eight Christians dead and dozens of properties destroyed. The Christians say they were also pressured into accepting Awan’s bail, leading to his release the following day. They allege that police took some Christians to the police station and tortured them in order to pressure the Christians into accepting such a compromise. The Christians told the US Consulate staff that they did not need aid but justice, and that they would be grateful for their help in achieving this. They also spoke of their strong desire to see Awan arrested. Police reportedly started beating the Christians for demanding Awan’s arrest, and arrested some of them on the spot. Two women were reportedly seriously injured when the police beat them with the butts of their guns. Razia Bibi reportedly sustained a serious head injury, while Shamim Bibi’s ribcage was injured. When they were taken to a local hospital, Christians say the police refused to allow the doctors to examine them, forcing them to take the women to another hospital in Toba Take Sing for treatment. Both women have since been discharged from the hospital. Also, both women say that they forgive the police for their violent actions. The head of CLAAS UK, Nasir Saeed, said the situation of Christians in Gojra was very distressing. “The frustration and anger of the Christians in Gojra is understandable as it has become an almost impossible task to get justice,” he said. The Christians also suspected that members of a mediatory peace committee had colluded with the police and the perpetrators. Although another committee was formed, it was also suspected of supporting the perpetrators. Joseph Francis, head of CLAAS Pakistan, said: “Police are intent on declaring the Muslim suspects free of responsibility for their part in the Gojra killings. Yet Christians have been held in prison for firing back at their attackers in self-defense. Muslims received aid within a month from the government, while Christians received none. It is like justice in reverse.” He added: “It is absolutely inconceivable that police could set free the man believed to be the main instigator of the attacks, which were nothing short of horrendous. He should be arrested immediately and put back behind bars where he belongs.” Full Story. Pray that the Lord will comfort the Christian families who lost their loved ones to the barbaric murders by Muslim fanatics. Pray that the police will quickly arrest and the Pakistani court will prosecute the Islamic radicals, including Qadir Awan who is believed to be the mastermind of the atrocities. Pray that the Christians who are imprisoned on false charges will be set free and that they will stay strong in their faith with a forgiving spirit through the grace of Jesus. Pray that the international community will continue to expose the persecution of Pakistani Christians. For more general information, please go to ICC’s website on Pakistan. (www.persecution.org) **********************************************************************