Blasphemy death sentence for Christian road sweeper in Pakistan

Blasphemy death sentence for Christian road sweeper in Pakistan [Excerpts]

A Christian road sweeper in Pakistan has been sentenced to death for blasphemy.

Sawan Masih was also fined 200,000 rupees (around £1,200) by judges at a private hearing today, reports Release International. 

The father of three, from Joseph Colony in the Badami Bagh area of Lahore, was accused of blasphemy after a row with a Muslim friend over property in March last year. 

The allegation was broadcast by the local mosque through its loudspeakers, triggering a violent reaction from a mob of around 3,000 people who went on the rampage, rioting in his neighbourhood and setting fire to more than 200 homes in the city. 

Witnesses said police stood by while the homes of Christians were torched.  The police inaction prompted Christians to stage protests calling for greater protection. 

The hearing was held in private inside the prison where Sawan is being held because of the sensitive nature of the charges.

Blasphemy is a highly contentious issue in Pakistan and attempts to repeal the laws have been vehemently opposed by more radical elements.  Challenging the blasphemy laws was a prominent factor in the murders of Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti and Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in 2011. 

The blashphemy laws criminalise insulting the Prophet and desecrating the Koran, and carry a death sentence. 

However, human rights groups claim that the blasphemy laws are often misused against religious minorities, including Christians, to settle personal scores and seize property.

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