Listeners:
Top listeners:
-
play_arrow
Pakistan: Just 12 Jaranwala Rioters Facing Trial After Hundreds Arrested
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – One year after the devastating Islamic riot against Christians in Jaranwala, Pakistan in August last year, just 12 of the more than 300 people arrested are facing trials, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Islamic-majority Pakistan ranks 7 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Drawing nationwide condemnation, on August 16, 2023, thousands of Muslims attacked the Christian community in Jaranwala, ransacking and looting more than 25 churches and 85 homes. The riot was sparked after two Christian brothers were accused of writing blasphemous content and desecrating the Quran.
While 380 rioters were arrested, only 12 are set to stand trial, Akmal Bhatti, an attorney with Minorities Alliance Pakistan told MSN. “A majority of the suspects have either been bailed out or were discharged from the cases due to defective police investigation,” Bhatti said.
“The Jaranwala incident is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan,” Bhatti added. “The government’s failure to bring the perpetrators to justice shows its [lack of] interest in protecting religious minorities from future violence.”
Confirming the lack of justice brought for Jaranwala Christians, Amnesty International reported that of 5,213 suspects, 380 were arrested while 4,833 remained at large. “Of the arrested suspects, 228 were released on bail and 77 others had the charges against them dropped,” Amnesty said in a statement.
“Despite the authorities’ assurances of accountability, the grossly inadequate action has allowed a climate of impunity for the perpetrators of the Jaranwala violence,” Amnesty said.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
European policymakers, church leaders and representatives of Syria’s Christian communities have urged the country’s transitional authorities to protect minority Christians amid concerns over the future of believers in the war-torn Middle East nation.
A reported Houthi attack has struck Saudi Arabia’s strategically vital East-West oil pipeline, the massive cross-country system designed to keep Saudi crude flowing even when the Strait of Hormuz is threatened or closed.
Spanish-Moroccan relations, already strained over migration, faced more pressure Friday after Spain’s lower house of parliament approved legislation that would grant Spanish citizenship to tens of thousands of Sahrawis born when Madrid administered Western Sahara.
Russia launched fresh air attacks on Ukraine early Friday after NATO reportedly confronted Russian vessels trying to sabotage undersea cables, highlighting concerns that Moscow is attempting to extend the war by targeting Europe’s critical infrastructure.
Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha, raising fears for global shipping as escalating Middle East tensions pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
The United States and its allies are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the worst terror attacks on American soil, which had worldwide implications ranging from wars to increased surveillance.
Several impoverished Christians have died across Pakistan in recent days amid what advocates describe as a pattern of violence, discrimination and hardship potentially threatening the Christian community throughout the predominantly Muslim nation, Christian sources told Worthy News.
WHO WE ARE
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
CONTACT
- +1 908 280-4246
- Essex County, USA
- info@tnjrfm.com