ASIA/PAKISTAN- A mentally disabled Christian accused of Blasphemy is released on bail
Karachi (Agenzia Fides). “The granting bail to Stephen Mashi, a mentally stable person accused of Blasphemy is a positive step: A mentally unstable person cannot face any charges because he doesn’t have complete knowledge of what he’s doing. The case has been in the courts for three years. I would like to see it closed. I am sorry to report that the misused blasphemy laws continue to cause harm. People use the law to get revenge and grudges. This is exactly what happened to Stephen Masih (40), who was accused of blasphemy in a dispute with his family members and neighbors.” Father Mario Rodrigues of the Archdiocese told Fides. Fr. Mario Rodrigues states that “we welcome the Court’s decision of granting bail, but at same time we are concerned for the man’s safety.” His life and safety are at risk once a person is charged with blasphemy against Pakistan. Joseph Jansen (President of NGO Voice for Justice), who was following the case, said to Fides: “The police broke into Stephen’s home, arrested him without any investigation, and even beat his mother, leaving her with a broken leg and an arm. A mob attacked innocent people and tortured them without verifying the authenticity. This case is a clear example how the blasphemy laws were used to exact personal revenge. Joseph Jansen insists that “all those who incite or perpetrate acts of violence in name of religion on basis of accusations of Blasphemy be brought to justice as well as those falsely accusing others of Blasphemy.” Abdul Hameed Rana, Attorney, said that Stephen was in prison for a crime that he never committed. It was false testimony. We will continue to pursue our efforts to have him declared innocent, and eventually acquitted, after he was released on bail. Stephen Masih is a Christian with a mental impairment who was attacked by an angry mob at his home and beat his family. Stephen was rescued by the police from the mob and was charged under Article 295 C (Pakistani Penal Code) with desecration of the Prophet Muhammad. This charge carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Family members say that Stephen Masih, a man with bipolar disorder, quarreled and used abusive language against his mother, sister and brother-in-law. He used abusive words against a neighboring Muslim wife whose husband, Hafiz Muhammad Mudassar, taught him a lesson. He also accused Stephen of blasphemy. Rumours circulated that Stephen had uttered blasphemous statements about the Prophet Muhammad. Stephen was arrested and charged with blasphemy following the hearing held on June 3, 2019. A year later, in March 2020, Stephen was charged with blasphemy and sent to prison. After many sessions, observations, and evaluations, the Punjab Institute of Mental Health determined that Stephen Masih has “bipolar affective disorder” on July 30, 2021 and declared him “unfit for trial” for mental disorders. The court accepted this and granted bail. (AG/PA) (Agenzia Fides, 6/6/2022)
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Source: fides.org
