Christian handed sentence for blasphemy

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A Pakistani Christian jailed since May 1998 on accusations of blaspheming the Muslim prophet Mohammed was acquitted of his initial charges. But Shafik Masih, 27, was found guilty of “lesser offenses against Islam” in an Oct. 16 judgment and was sentenced to eight years in prison at hard labor, together with a heavy fine.

One Christian human rights advocate called the court action “a ridiculous judgment.” Masih’s charges reportedly grew out of a personal dispute over electricity services with a Muslim neighbor, who accused him of slandering Mohammed during an argument May 31, 1998. A few hours later, Masih was severely beaten and narrowly escaped being stoned to death by an enraged Muslim mob that set his home on fire and chanted death threats against him. After a village elder rescued him from the mob, Masih was put under police arrest. An appeal has been filed with the Lahore High Court.