Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Christian Man Jailed for Blasphemy Has Life in Prison Commuted to the Death Penalty [Pakistan]
AsiaNews ^ | 1/18/22 | Shafique Khokhar

Posted on 01/24/2022 5:31:29 PM PST by marshmallow

Zafar Bhatti has been in prison since 2012. Despite his claims of innocence, a judge who reviewed the Christian man’s sentence decided to change it to a death sentence. His desperate family is calling for prayers. He “was framed” unfairly, and “People have made several attempts to convert Zafar and have him set free, but he is strong in his faith”.

Lahore (AsiaNews) – Zafar Bhatti, 57, is Pakistan’s longest-serving blasphemy convict. The Christian man has been behind bars since 22 July 2012, but has always claimed his innocence.

He is currently in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi but things could get worse for him. On 3 January, Additional Sessions Judge Sahibzada Naqib Shehzad overturned a prior sentence of life in prison and ordered that he be put to death.

Bhatti, who founded a small local NGO called "Jesus World Mission” to help the poor, was charged with sending blasphemous text messages from a mobile phone whose card was not in his name.

In 2017 he was sentenced to life in prison under the infamous article 295 C of the Pakistani Penal Code, for the “Use of derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet” as well as insulting the Prophet’s mother.

There are reports that he was the victims of acts of violence in prison.

During a sentence review on 16 December 2021, his lawyer, Naseeb Anjum, raised numerous objections about the charges; the judge decided instead to impose the death sentence.

“Zafar is innocent and was framed in the blasphemy case,” said Bhatti’s wife, Nawab Bibi.

When she heard the news of the death sentence, she “could not stop crying and started praying to Jesus.”

What is more, she points out that real criminals are offered the opportunity to be released on bail, whereas her husband is still......

(Excerpt) Read more at asianews.it ...


TOPICS: Current Events; Islam; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS:

1 posted on 01/24/2022 5:31:29 PM PST by marshmallow
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

Commuted? That’s one way to look at it.


2 posted on 01/24/2022 5:34:33 PM PST by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

I don’t think “commuted” is the appropriate term here.


3 posted on 01/24/2022 5:34:53 PM PST by Pearls Before Swine (FJB/LGB (Let's Go, Brandon!))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Pearls Before Swine

Cut short.


4 posted on 01/24/2022 5:35:45 PM PST by Secret Agent Man (Gone Galt; not averse to Going Bronson.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

Merrick Garland is taking notes.


5 posted on 01/24/2022 5:40:05 PM PST by SaxxonWoods (If It Aint Woke Don't Fix It.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.

Revaluation 2:10


6 posted on 01/24/2022 5:56:43 PM PST by Gary from Dayton (Scary unvaccinated American )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

And these people have the BOMB.


7 posted on 01/24/2022 6:24:39 PM PST by fella ("As it was before Noah so shall it be again,")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

never have understood why the USA gives so much aid to Pakistan when things like this are allowed.


8 posted on 01/24/2022 6:46:10 PM PST by rovenstinez
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Gary from Dayton

Amen.


9 posted on 01/24/2022 7:02:29 PM PST by crusty old prospector
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow
...insulting the Prophet’s mother.

Well, there you go. He shouldn't oughta done that.

10 posted on 01/24/2022 7:15:46 PM PST by PatrioticRose (It’s not so much fun when the rabbit’s got the gun.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

What a deal !


11 posted on 01/24/2022 8:45:35 PM PST by A strike (Public Health 21st century murder by government. DoktorFauxiMengeleGates to a TerreHaute gurney now)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

Prayers for him and his family and church family.


12 posted on 01/24/2022 10:35:22 PM PST by Faith Presses On (Willing to die for Christ, if it's His will--politics should prepare people for the Gospel)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Gary from Dayton

My Bible doesn’t have Revaluation.


13 posted on 01/25/2022 12:47:46 AM PST by nickcarraway
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: rovenstinez

This was a cluster...

First in the 80s we gave them money and arms which went to the Mujahideen and ultimately the Taliban

Then in 2003 instead of focusing on Afghanistan and then invading Pakistan (which shielded Osama as well as the Taliban), Bush went into Iraq.


14 posted on 01/25/2022 5:36:11 AM PST by Cronos ( One cannot desire freedom from the Cross, especially when one is especially chosen for the cross)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: nickcarraway

Revaluation 😂


15 posted on 01/25/2022 5:42:06 PM PST by Gary from Dayton (Scary unvaccinated American )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson