LAHORE, Pakistan — A Christian charged under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws was released two days later after the accuser admitted to fabricating the complaint.
The quick release of 72-year-old Younis Bhatti from a Section 295-B blasphemy charge that carries a mandatory life sentence is an unusual move in Pakistan, states the news services Christian Daily International and Morning Star News.
Bhatti had been accused Feb. 10 of desecrating the Quran in 211-RB village in Punjab province of Pakistan.
Sosan Fatima, to whom Bhatti was providing free housing on his own land, accused Bhatti of storming her dwelling, attacking her and tearing up the Quran she was reading.
Bhatti told the news services that Fatima later admitted to police that she, her husband and two Christians plotted against Bhatti because of a property dispute.
Police detained Fatima and the co-conspirators.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
Share with others: