Christian’s Life Sentence Sparks Global Outcry
In a recent case that has stirred controversy and raised concerns about freedom of expression in Pakistan, Fanson Shahid, a member of the Christian community, was handed a life sentence under blasphemy laws for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Islamic prophet on social media. This incident, which unfolded in Lahore in March 2022, took a significant turn when Shahid, aged 56, reportedly confessed to the accusations after being arrested. His confession came under scrutiny as it was allegedly obtained under coercion, with claims surfacing that he was pressured into admitting guilt.
The verdict, issued by Justice Zafar Yab Chadhar of the Additional Sessions Court in Gujranwala District on January 24, has since been met with disappointment by Shahid’s family. Despite their hopes for his acquittal, the court found him guilty based on evidence presented by the prosecution. Central to the prosecution’s case was the discovery of Shahid’s Facebook account logged in on a new phone recovered in 2022. However, Shahid’s wife contested this, asserting that the phone in question had been stolen from her husband in 2019 and might have been used by someone else to post the controversial comment.
The severity of Shahid’s sentence, a life imprisonment, stems from Pakistan’s stringent blasphemy laws, particularly Section 295-C, which mandates the death penalty for insulting remarks directed at Muhammad. Despite acknowledging that the comment was made “only once,” Justice Chadhar opted for a life sentence, citing it as a mitigating factor. Moreover, fines were imposed on Shahid, and he was also sentenced under other sections pertaining to religious sentiments and the promotion of religious animosity on social media.
The ruling has had profound ramifications for Shahid’s family, devout members of the Full Gospel Assemblies Church, who have been compelled to relocate due to safety concerns. The defense lawyer, Lazar Allah Rakha, criticized the court’s reliance on prosecution evidence while overlooking contradictions in the case. With the 30-day window for filing an appeal looming, Shahid’s family is scrambling to secure legal representation and garner support for their cause.
This case underscores the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and adds to the country’s reputation as a difficult environment for Christians, as highlighted by its consistent placement on the World Watch List. As debates surrounding freedom of expression and the protection of religious minorities persist, Shahid’s plight serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in navigating religious sensitivities within Pakistan’s legal framework.