DHER, Pakistan — Hundreds of Christian families fled their homes Feb. 19 after Muslim protestors called for the death of a young Christian accused of posting a blasphemous image to Facebook, sources said.
Patras Masih, an 18-year-old resident of Dher village in Shahdara Town area of Lahore, Pakistan, was taken into police custody after a day of protests led by the Muslim extremists. Several hundred protestors burned tires, chanted slogans and threatened to burn down the homes of at least 700 poor Christian families if Masih was not arrested.
Protestors dispersed after Masih’s arrest but not before most Christians fled the area.
Masih’s father said his son’s friend had posted the photo. Under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, intent must be shown for conviction. Pakistan ranked fifth on Open Doors’ 2018 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. (MS)
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