Pakistani Christians acquitted of murders

Pakistani Christians acquitted of murders

After spending five years in prison, 39 Christians in Pakistan who were accused of killing two Muslims reached an agreement to pay victim families in exchange for acquittal, sources said.

The Christians maintained their innocence in the killings that took place after Taliban suicide bombers attacked two churches in March 2015, killing at least 15 civilians and two policemen and wounding more than 70 others in Lahore. 

Media reports said a prosecutor in the case offered the accused freedom if they converted to Islam. One of the acquitted said the case had reinforced his faith in Christ.

Pakistan ranks No. 5 on Christian support organization Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch list of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. (MS)