LAHORE, Pakistan — Even though a Pakistani Christian falsely accused of blasphemy has been released from jail on bail, he and his family must stay apart and hide because of threats to their lives.
Haroon Shahzad was released Nov. 15 from Sargodha District Jail, attorney Aneeqa Maria told Morning Star News. Shahzad was charged under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws after posting Bible verses on Facebook. The verses enraged Muslims. As a result, dozens of frightened Christian families fled their homes in Chak 49 Shumaali in Punjab province.
Shahzad was accused of “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs,” reports Morning Star.
A Lahore High Court judge set bail in November at $350.
Shahzad said he and his family have to hide in separate places; his family must relocate frequently.
According to Shahzad, the person who filed the blasphemy complaint is part of an Islamist extremist party and is connected to a terrorist group that has been banned. Shahzad told Morning Star that the complaint is revenge.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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