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Monday 3 February 2014

Bring rioters of St Joseph's to trial!

LEAD,in June,2013,had petitioned the Lahore High Court to cancel the bail of  Extremists who were allegedly involved in anti-Christian violence in Joseph Colony,Bedami Bagh Lahore.

On 22 January,2014,the DB (Double Bench) ,consisting of Honorable Justice Mr.Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Honorable Justice Mr.Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah,  passed an order that the petition should be admitted. 

He described the attack on St Josephs Colony as an occurrence which resulted in a very bad image for Pakistan, as an unsafe place for minorities.  He also ordered that the accused appear in court on the next date of hearing. The case was adjourned and next date of hearing will be fixed in the office.

The 36 key suspects were among 83 radicals/fundamentalists granted bail in May 2013, from Anti-Terrorism Court No II.  This bail was granted,despite evidence they were involved in the riot and arson attack of more than 180 Christian-homes, shops and two churches.  They also instigated serious looting form all these properties.   

The attack was initiated after false allegations were made of derogatory blaspehmous  remarks made about the prophet Muhammad, by a Christian man Savan Masih. Mr Masih had denied the blasphemy allegation butis still incarcerated and awaiting for justice.

"We are deeply concerned about the safety of blasphemy victims such as Asia Bibi, Sawan Masih, Asif Pervaiz, Pastor Adnanher and others  who are in Pakistani jails and are awaiting justice," explained Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill,chief of LEAD.

"We have deep concern about bondage labour and one Christian woman who was brutally beaten and tortured by the owner of brick kiln in Kasur,and for so many cases which remain unreported" added Gill.

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