COVID Christmas in Pakistan filled with sharia law

 International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that hundreds of Pakistani Christian families from Charar, a neighborhood in Lahore, have fled their homes after a mob of Muslims threatened to set fire to their neighborhood. Local sources report that the mob threatened the Christians after a faith-based social media post was published by a local pastor.

“Pastor Raja Waris published a faith-based post on Facebook on December 22, which Muslims claim hurt their religious sentiments,” Saleem Khokhar, a displaced Christian from Charar, told ICC. “The pastor apologized for the post and the issue was resolved the next day.”

To date, no blasphemy charges have been filed against Pastor Waris for the offending social media post. However, Pastor Waris and his family have gone into hiding due to threats issued against them by local extremists. Even though the issue of the social media post has been resolved, a mob of hundreds of Muslims continues to protest against the Christians of Charar. According to locals, the mob has demanded that Pastor Waris be beheaded for publishing the offending post.

“The situation turned dangerous when someone found out the Muslims were planning to set fire to the houses of Christians,” Khokhar told ICC. “This forced the Christians to flee the neighborhood.”

Police have been deployed to Charar to keep the mob’s protests from turning violent. Despite the police presence, many Christians have stayed away from the neighborhood and sought shelter with friends and relatives.

“This is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration,” Khokhar told ICC. “But we are out of our homes and begging our relatives and friends to protect and feed us. None of us are feeling good about this situation.”  

In Pakistan, false accusations of blasphemy are widespread and often motivated by personal vendettas or religious hatred. Accusations are highly inflammatory and have the potential to spark mob lynchings, vigilante murders, and mass protests.

Since Pakistan added Section 295-B and 295-C to the country’s blasphemy laws in 1987, the number of blasphemy accusations has skyrocketed. Between 1987 and 2017, 1,534 individuals in Pakistan have been accused of blasphemy. Out of that 1,534, 829 accusations (54%) were made against religious minorities. With Christians only making up 1.6% of Pakistan’s total population, the 238 accusations (15.5%) made against Christians are highly disproportionate.

Currently, 24 Christians are imprisoned on blasphemy charges in Pakistan. These 24 Christians are defendants in 21 blasphemy cases represented at various levels of the judicial process in Pakistan.

ICC’s Regional Manager, William Stark, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are concerned by the situation in Charar. We call on the Pakistani authorities to protect the homes of Charar’s Christians. No one should be forced to flee their home because of a social media post. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws must not be misused to justify mob violence. Too often these laws have been a tool in the hands of extremists seeking to stir up religiously motivated violence against minority communities.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world. 

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org 
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Boko Haram stays crappy

 International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on December 24, 2020, Boko Haram militants invaded the village of Pyemi, near Chibok in Northern Nigeria and killed at least seven Christians. This attack followed a threat released by the group via message after an attack on a small town in Southern Niger that left 27 dead. The threat said that Christians would be attacked and killed during the Christmas season.

Not only were these seven people killed, but another seven people are still missing in Pyemi and five in Garkida. The local EYN Church in Pyemi, and the Anglican and Living Faith Churches in Garkida were also destroyed.

When asked about the current situation, EYN General Secretary, Rev. Daniel Mbaya said,  “There was an attack at Pyemi (Chibok) and Garkida (Northern Adamawa).  I am waiting for the names of those killed.  As at yesterday I was told that six persons were killed. The EYN Church was burnt (at Pyemi). There were abductions but I am waiting for specifics in terms of names of those abducted.  Five persons were abducted in Garkida, I am waiting for the names. The attack was in the evening, about the same time they entered Pyemi, (around 3pm) they also entered Garkida (around 4pm).”

Rev Mbaya said that rumors of an attack were known days prior. “We had the information three days before the attack, and Security agencies were informed. They (Boko Haram) had sent word that they were coming to do “Christmas” in town and specifically mentioned Garkida. Most people fled into the bush.”

Pastor Filibus the former CAN Chairman for the Chibok Local Council Area said, “They entered Pyemi and did havoc, killing some persons including the EYN LCB Pastor.  It was on Thursday evening. The Boys Brigade were holding their rehearsals when the attackers arrived. It is so sad. The Pastor was killed, the biggest EYN Church in Pyemi was burnt. Eight persons were killed, houses were also burnt. The burial was yesterday (December 25). Even those who fled returned and were at the burial.  Where will the people go? They have no other place to go.”

This is not the first time this year that Garkida has been attaked either.  Rev Mbaya said, “Recall that in an attack at Garkida earlier this year, three Churches – the Anglican, Living Faith and EYN were burnt down. The government had supported the rebuilding of the Churches and Anglican Church and Living Faith Church had been rebuilt. EYN was still at the roofing level. This time again they burnt down the Living Faith Church and the Anglican Church. The Garkida township road is being rehabilitated.”

  ICC’s Regional Manager for Africa, Nathan Johnson, said, “Boko Haram promised that they would attack Christians and fulfilled this promise. Many say that Boko Haram does not hate Christianity, however, this attack shows their true intention torwards Christians in Nigeria. This is the second year in a row wehre Christains have been slaughtered by the group on Christmas Eve. It is time for the Nigerian government to end these atrocities.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world. 

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org 
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Hate Crimes continue in Egypt

 International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that on December 10, 2020, three extremists attacked Coptic Christians living in Alexandria (al-Wardyan district), Egypt. This resulted in the murder of one Christian man, the injuries of two, and significant damage to three Christian shops.

A relative of the victim explained about the attack’s instigator, “The extremist was in jail because of so many cases. Usually he was bothering Copts and bullying them so much. His mother was sick and she died on the night of December 10. He left his mother’s body, revealed his swords, and attacked three Coptic shops. He broke the goods and insulted the Copts. Then he slaughtered one Coptic man named Ramsis Bouls Hermina, stabbed his brother named Adel, then attacked a clothes shop owned by Tarek Fawzi Shenouda.”

Ramsis died as a result of the injury to his neck. Adel and Tarek both received treatment in the hospital. The Bishop of the West Alexandria Churches further stated, “Ramsis Bouls Hermina, owner of a plastic shop, was injured in his neck and stabbed in his left side of his belly. He was moved to the hospital and then died there. Adel Bouls Hermina, owner of an accessories shop, was tied by one of thugs and another stabbed him in his left side of his belly. Adel was moved to the hospital and is still alive. Tarek Fawzi Shenouda, owner of a clothes shop, was hit by thugs with a club weapon and stabbed in his chest near the heart. He was moved to the hospital and is still alive.”

Nasser Ahmed Muhammed, who goes by the name al-Sambo, and his two brothers, Ali and Anwar, instigated the attack. They have a history of frequent disputes with the Christian shop owners on their street. Sambo has a criminal record for thuggery and escalated his harassment of Christian shop owners following his parole, believing that they testified against him. When the mother of the three died on December 10, they blamed the Christians and carried out the attack.

Although arrests were made, local Christians have expressed fear that the extremists will be declared mentally ill and thus not receive the full punishment according to the law. This fear is based on an established pattern of Egypt using claims of mental illness to reduce the penalties of those who attack Christians. While acts of violence against Christians are commonplace in Egypt, it is noteworthy that this incident occurred in Alexandria, where sectarian tensions are normally subtler in comparison to Upper Egypt.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The Christian community in Egypt is not okay, despite messaging from the authorities to the contrary. This tragedy not only shows the dangers Christians must navigate in Egyptian society, but also the hopelessness among Christians that help will come in the form of justice. Persecution is more than violent cases; it is also about how the authorities respond to these injustices. We mourn with the families of the victims, but also join with the voices of the broader community in asking the authorities: When will Christians in Egypt be equally protected under the law?”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world. 

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org 
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Acquitted for blasphemy in Pakistan

 International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Lahore High Court has acquitted Imran Ghafur Masih, a Christian sentenced to life in prison under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. According to Imran’s family, they have moved into hiding following the acquittal due to potential threats from extremists.

On December 15, the Lahore High Court acquitted Imran after he spent more than 10 years in prison for allegedly committing blasphemy. The development came as a shock to Imran’s family. “It is a day of resurrection for us,” Naveed Masih, Imran’s brother, told ICC. “God has heard our cry and we are very thankful to him. It’s a Christmas gift for us.”

On July 1, 2009, Imran was cleaning his family’s bookshop in Hajweri town, located in Faisalabad. He was about to burn some trash he collected, which included some old books and papers, when he came across a textbook with Arabic writing. Concerned that the book contained religious writings, Imran consulted Hajji Liaquat Ali, his Muslim neighbor.

Ali told Imran to burn the book, so Imran threw it into the fire and walked away. When the book was partially burned, Ali returned and pulled it out of the fire. Ali used this partially burned book to falsely accuse Imran of burning a Quran. According to Imran’s family, Ali wanted the storefront leased to the family’s bookshop to expand his building materials business located next door.

News of the incident soon spread to local mosques which made announcements over their PA systems. A mob of approximately 400 enraged Muslims gathered at Imran’s home. The mob beat Imran, along with his brother, Naveed, and father, Ghafur, before dousing the Christians with paraffin in an attempt to burn them alive.

Local police intervened, arrested Imran, and took him to the police station. A mob of 1,000 reportedly gathered outside of the police station and demanded Imran be handed to them. The mob chanted, “Hang him who disgraces the Holy Quran… Christians are dogs. Imran is a dog.” Police soon registered a blasphemy case against Imran and copies of the charges were distributed to the mob.

On January 11, 2010, the Sessions Court of Faisalabad sentenced Imran to life in prison and a fine of 100,000 rupees under Sections 295-A and 295-B of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Imran’s case was appealed to the Lahore High Court, but was postponed nearly 70 times over the course of the next 10 years. According to Imran’s lawyer, the appeal passed through the offices of at least 10 justices.   

“We went through a very painful time during Imran’s imprisonment,” Naveed told ICC. “Imran lost his parents and was not allowed to attend the funeral. We lost our business and jobs which has affected our children’s education and future. We have not seen any happiness during these years.”

In Pakistan, false accusations of blasphemy are common and often motivated by personal vendettas or religious hatred. Accusations are highly inflammatory and have the potential to spark mob lynchings, vigilante murders, and mass protests. Currently, 24 Christians are imprisoned on blasphemy charges in Pakistan. These 24 Christians are defendants in 21 blasphemy cases represented at various levels of the judicial process in Pakistan.

ICC’s Regional Manager for South Asia, William Stark, said, “We here at International Christian Concern are happy to see Imran Masih finally acquitted and released after more than 10 years in prison. It is great to see such a prolonged blasphemy case justly resolved at the High Court level in Pakistan. However, we remain deeply concerned for the safety of Imran and his family. Extremists in Pakistan are known to target individuals accused of religious crimes, like blasphemy, even after they have been acquitted. The abuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws must be curbed and false allegations must be rooted out and punished. Too often these laws have been a tool in the hands of extremists seeking to stir up religiously motivated violence against minorities. Without reform, religious minorities will continue to face false blasphemy accusations and the violence that often accompanies these accusations.”

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world. 

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org 
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org

Review of the Radicalization of Turkey

 International Christian Concern (ICC) and Middle East Concern (MEC) have published a joint report entitled Turkey: Challenges Facing Christians 2016-2020. This report analyzes how the dynamics of historical revisionism and legal identity have impacted Turkey's Christian community, as well as those living in neighboring regional areas under Turkish influence.

These combined dynamics make the integration of religious freedom into society a challenge that directly influences Christians. The report examines relevant case studies about how these dynamics impact both churches and congregants. The following themes were found:

 

• Emphasis on forming and maintaining the Turkish identity around Islam
• Suppression of legal status for Christians and their institutions
• Historical revisionism as a type of virtue signaling
• Excluding Christians from full acceptance and participation in Turkish society
• Neglecting the place of Christians in the lands, their history, and suffering 
• Using intimidation tactics to suppress the cultural and ethnic expression of Christians
• No active promotion of human rights
• Exploitation of the vulnerabilities of Christians
• (Ab)use of Christians as an international bargaining chip and domestic political leverage.

 

"The institutionalized use of religious freedom as a political bargaining chip should prompt caution amongst human rights advocates," warns the report. "Turkey conditionally tolerates Christians based on factors which impact domestic and international affairs according to the ruling government's strategy."

As the report states in its conclusion, "Turkey has an obligation under national and international law to uphold Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). The authorities must provide a legal framework to accommodate its religious minorities and develop a national narrative that promotes social cohesion… This obligation extends to those territories under Turkish military control."

The report Turkey: Challenges Facing Christians 2016-2020 can be read here.

Claire Evans, ICC's Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, "It is our earnest hope that this report can facilitate an open dialogue about the ongoing challenges faced by Christians living in Turkey. Though the challenges may appear daunting, the underlying issue is primarily one of legal identity and status. This issue has been inherited throughout the decades, but now is the time to address it. Religious freedom is integral to social peace, stability, growth, and international connectivity. We hope that this report can contribute to a flourishing society throughout all of Turkey." 

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org. 

About ICC
International Christian Concern is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization focused on human rights, religious freedom and assisting the persecuted Christian Church around the world. 

Media Contact
Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator
E-mail: press@persecution.org 
Phone: (301)-859-3842

International Christian Concern
2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW #941, Washington, D.C. 20006
www.persecution.org | E-mail: icc@persecution.org