LAHORE, Pakistan — A Christian whose bail was set exponentially higher than Pakistan’s blasphemy laws stipulate has been released from jail.
A Lahore High Court judge set bail for Sunny Waqas at 4 million rupees (U.S. $15,200) on Jan. 17, an amount far above the maximum of 500,000 rupees (U.S. $1,900) stipulated in Section 295-C of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Morning Star News reports that Waqas had been falsely charged under Section 295-C.
The accusation against Waqas claims he possessed blasphemous sketches of Muhammad (Islam’s prophet) and was showing them to people. Waqas was arrested July 1, 2019, and was in jail more than three years, Morning Star reported.
Waqas’ attorney, Aneeqa Maria of the Voice Society, said the excessive bail amount was raised in about two weeks, and Waqas was released Feb. 3 of this year.
Noman Masih, Waqas’ cousin, also was accused and remains in jail, Maria said.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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