Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) – The legal battle continues for the family of Qamar David, a Christian from Lahore in prison since 2006 and recently sentenced to life imprisonment for blasphemy. As reported to Fides, his lawyer Parvez Choudry will present an appeal against the decision of the Court of Karachi, which issued the verdict.
"It is a necessary response to an unfair decision," Fides was told by a source from the Catholic Church in Pakistan. The lawyer comments: "A Muslim who was co-defendant in the trial was acquitted on the basis of the benefit of the doubt. These arguments should also apply to Qamar David. It is an evident question of impartiality." Qamar David will remain in prison, but the legal battle will continue and Pakistani organizations that defend human rights have no intention of letting go of the case.
In recent days, several Christians have organized a demonstration in Karachi and new ones are planned, as Fides learned from local sources.
"The sentence was influenced by pressure from extremist Muslim groups," underline sources of Fides. "We must, therefore, continue to fight for justice."
Qamar David was convicted on the basis of some SMS messages sent from a mobile phone via a SIM card which, according to prosecutors, was his property. David has received threats in jail and beatings and is currently in poor health. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/3/2010)
