Christians acquitted after six months in jail

Christians acquitted after six months in jail

CHARIKOT, Nepal — Eight Christians accused of trying to convert children with a comic book were acquitted by a Nepali court Dec. 6, according to advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).

The seven men and one woman were arrested in Charikot, Dolakha District of Nepal in June as part of a crackdown on Christian activities in the fledgling democracy. They were reportedly mistreated in jail before being released on bail for charges that can carry prison terms.

Evangelizing is prohibited under Nepal’s new constitution, passed in September 2015, as it was under the previous constitution. But advocacy groups have recently detected increased enforcement and other anti-Christian efforts as officials seek to placate Hindus incensed about the new constitution. (MS)