Pakistan's top court demands investigation into lynching of Christians

November 24, 2014

Pakistan’s Supreme Court has called upon the government to press forward with a full investigation into the lynching of a Christian couple.

Shahzad Masih and Sharma Bibi were burned to death by an angry mob after they were charged with desecrating the Qu’ran. Christian leaders had demanded government action to prevent such mob violence against religious minorities.

The Supreme Court demanded a quick investigation of the murders, and also asked the government to explain why steps had not been taken to comply with an earlier court order, issued in June, required the executive branch to establish a task force on protecting the rights of religious minorities.

Christians in Pakistan applauded the court’s orders, and thanked the Muslim officials who had joined with Christian groups in an appeal to the court.

However, relatives of the couple killed by the mob have reported that they are under pressure to drop their pleas for prosecution of those responsible for the killings. The Fides news service reports that the family has received threats, warning them that they should not seek further judicial action.

 

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Further information:

• Christian couple burned alive: the Supreme Court intervenes (Fides)
• Pakistan's Catholic leaders demand government action against religious violence (CWN, 11/19)