During the recent Jubilee Campaign trip to Pakistan, India and Indonesia we got a chance to visit personally with many victims of religious persecution. Here are some of their stories. If a particular story strikes you and you feel led to help one of these victims financially, please know that every single penny that you donate will go directly to Pakistan to help them.
This installment features the cases of:
- Anwer Masih, on trial for blasphemy
- Natasha Emmanuel, a Christian rape victim
- Saleem & Rasheed Masih, two brothers recently acquitted of blasphemy.Please click here to read their stories.
Anwer Masih
Anwer Masih faces a possible death sentence in his upcoming trial for blasphemy. Anwer, a Christian laborer, was falsely accused of insulting the beard of a local trouble maker who had recently converted from Christianity to Islam. Apparently Anwer, who had not seen the man since his conversion, simply asked why he was growing a beard - a Muslim symbol. Witnesses claim that the conversation took a turn for the worse and that those present had to prevent a physical altercation. The accuser had recently been accused of stabbing a man in a previous altercation and was generally disliked in the community. Anwer, on the other hand, is known for his quiet, peaceful disposition.
Following the altercation, a blasphemy charge was filed with the local police. And a group of radical Mulsim leaders, Maulvih's, attacked the Masih house. A local counselor convinced the group to disperse by promising to deliver Anwer personally to the police. However, the police instead tried to arrest Anwer's aged mother. This is a common though despicable practice used by Pakistani police to "encourange" someone to turn themselves in. Again the local counselman intervened by promising to deliver Anwer personally. Later Anwer was turned over to the police superintendent.
He is now in prison in Lahore and standing trial on the capital charge of blasphemy. He has been physically attacked by fellow prisoners due to the charge. His family, and the Christian community, who once had good relations with the surrounding Muslim populace, are now very frightened about what may happen to them. The Center for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS) is helping Anwer Masih's family and is handling his legal case. Contributions to his defense fund may be made through Jubilee Campaign. Please specifically note that the funds are for Anwer Masih. Send donations to:
Jubilee Campaign
9689-C Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22031;
or donate online at www.jubileecampaign.org.
Natasha Emmanuel
Natasha is a likable 10 year old girl from a large Christian family. From her joyful disposition, one would never have guessed the hardship she has endured. But last year, Natasha was raped by her 40 year old Muslim neighbor. The man lured her to his house under the pretense of taking a telephone call. (Most families in Paksitan do not have their own phones). He then raped her and threatened to kill her family if she told anyone. Her mother and uncle, however, eventually coaxed the horrific story out of the devastated girl that night and pressed charges.
Unfortunately, Christian women and girls in Pakistan are particularly vulnerable. Under Pakistani law in the case of rape, two male Muslims must testify. This evidentiary requirement is virtually insurmountable for most Christian women - whose testimony does not even count in Pakistani court. In Natasha's case, however, that requirement was trumped by DNA evidence - the first such case in Pakistan. And, though her assailant was sentenced to only 15 years - much less time than is required by law, the judgment represents a victory for Natasha and for the women of Pakistan.
However, as a result of pursuing the case, Natasha's father was harassed by local Muslims and was eventually forced to close his welding shop. (He has since re-opened another shop across town). Natasha had to leave her old school, where the perpetrator's children also studied, and is now in a Christian elementary school. She says that, eventually, she wants to be a doctor so that she can help people.
CLAAS handled Natasha's legal case pro bono and are now assisting her family financially including helping her father open his new shop and paying for Natasha's private schooling. If you would like to help Natasha you can send donations to CLAAS via Jubilee Campaign:
Jubilee Campaign
9689-C Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22031;
or donate online at www.jubileecampaign.org.
Rasheed and Saleem Masih
Many of you may remember Rasheed and Saleem Masih, the brothers who were convicted of blasphemy following a dispute with a Muslim ice cream vendor who insisted that they - as Chrsitians - must buy the bowls and utensils.
Miraculously, they were recently acquitted and have been released from prison. Mere months after their release, the brothers look physically healthy, and their spirit and love of God is immediately evident. Saleem, who wants to be a minister, told us that their experience in prison only served to strengthen their faith. In fact, while in jail, the brothers converted four fellow prisoners to Christianity.
The two brothers are currently in hiding. Unfortunately they can only visit their family sporadically and in secret. Radical Muslims still seek to impose the death penalty mandated by the blasphemy charge. They have had to move three times since their release. Their family has been threatened by the radical Muslims and the brothers fear for their safety.
However, they remain optimistic that God has a plan for them to leave Pakistan and to find safety and unity for their families. Saleem says that, foremost, he wants to preach the gospel, "We are the witnesses of God to preach the gospel."
CLAAS handled the brother's legal case leading to their acquittal and is now providing financial support for the the brothers and their families. Jubilee Campaign, in conjucntion with our sister law firm, Just Law International, P.C., is working to get Saleem, Rasheed, and their families safely out of Pakistan. If you would like to help Saleem and Rasheed, can send donations to CLAAS via Jubilee Campaign:
Jubilee Campaign
9689-C Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22031;
or donate online at www.jubileecampaign.org
Next Time:
In our next installment, we will continue to share stories of our time in Pakistan and the victims that we visited. In particular we will share the harrowing story of Zeeshan Gill, a Christian teenager who was kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam. We will also share about Apna Ghar, or "Our Home," a safe-house and shelter for abused Christian women.