LAHORE, Pakistan — Police have arrested 26 of the 44 named suspects and hundreds of rioters in a mob attack in Pakistan that left a Christian man in critical condition.
On May 25, a Muslim mob beat Nazeer Masih Gill, 74, in Sargodha, Pakistan, reports the news services Christian Daily International and Morning Star News. The attack upon Gill and destruction of his house and shoe factory occurred after an announcement over a mosque speaker falsely claimed that Gill had blasphemed Islam.
Ten or more policemen were injured in the melee.
Gill’s nephew said Gill apparently was burning wastepaper outside his home when a passerby tossed a copy of the Koran into the fire. A claim that Gill had desecrated the Koran followed. Police arrested several hundred rioters, as well as 26 of the 44 named suspects, according to police and sources. The rioters’ charges range from infractions of the penal code and anti-terrorism laws, to attempted murder, obstruction, assault upon a public official, and use of explosive material with the intent to destroy a structure or cause injury or death to an individual.
By May 27, Gill reportedly was in stable condition, the news services state.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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