Christian accused of blasphemy in Pakistanby Staff
February 17, 2009
(christiansunite.com) - A Pakistani Christian, Hector Aleem (51), is under fire after being accused of sending a blasphemous text message. On January 22, police arrested Aleem for blasphemy and abetting a crime after a religious scholar allegedly received a text message from him in November that insulted Muhammad.
Although he was acquitted of the blasphemy charges at a hearing on February 2, he was not cleared of abetting. Local Christians believe the judge's decision was influenced by the approximately 150 people protesting and yelling threats outside the courthouse.
Sources claim that Aleem was targeted because he directs an organization that lobbies for the rights of Christians in Islamabad.
At last report, Aleem was detained at the Adiyala Jail in the city of Rawalpindi, where he has been denied adequate food, medicine for his heart condition and visits with his family. His family has gone into hiding due to threats from Muslim militants.
Pray that Aleem will be acquitted of all charges. Pray for protection for him and his family. Pray that Muslims in Pakistan will come to know Christ's love through the lives of Christians (Romans 12:14, 21).
Find out more about suffering Christians in Pakistan at
www.persecution.net/pakistan.htm.
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