LAHORE, Pakistan — A court in Pakistan overturned the death sentence of a Christian convicted under Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws and ordered him released, according to an advocacy group.
Younis Masih, who has languished in jail since his arrest Sept. 10, 2005, was declared innocent. The justices also overturned a 100,000-rupee ($1,013) fine against him. Masih had reportedly suffered a heart attack Jan. 8.
On Sept. 9, 2005, he left a midnight gathering at a house after Muslims loudly singing a religious song became angry with him for requesting that they sing more quietly. The Muslims incited others against him the next day and beat him unconscious. Islamic leaders later incited mobs to burn Christians’ homes, saying Masih had committed blasphemy and uttered derogatory remarks against Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.
More than 100 Christian families fled their homes. Police filed a blasphemy case against Masih and tortured him in custody.
He was sentenced to death by a judge in Lahore on May 30, 2007. The appeal was filed by the Legal Aid for Destitute and Settlement, and his case was re-opened in September 2012.
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