In Pakistan, a Christian shares a verse on Eid el-Kebir and is accused of blasphemy
"Fearing that the situation was spiraling out of control, the majority of Christian families fled their homes, leaving everything behind."
On June 29, Haroon Shahzad, a Pakistani Christian, shared Bible verses on his Facebook account about meat being sacrificed to idols, 1 Corinthians 10: 18-21. As Muslims were going to celebrate Eid el-Kebir, the feast of sacrifice, this publication was considered blasphemy.
A Muslim took a screenshot of this message, believing that it was a lack of respect for traditions.
Look at the Israelites: are not those who eat the animals offered in sacrifice in communion with the altar?
So what do I mean? That meat sacrificed to idols would matter, or that an idol would be something? No way.
But what non-Jews sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; however, I do not want you to be in communion with the demons.
Tahir Naveed Chaudhry, Christian and former legislator, explains the situation to Morning Star News.
"The message started circulating in Muslim circles on Thursday, but the situation became tense after Friday prayers when announcements were made from loudspeakers in the mosque asking people to come together to protest."
An anger that has led many families to flee their homes.
“Police arrived at the village in time and prevented any attacks on Christians or damage to property. However, the police presence did not deter the crowds from shouting inflammatory slogans. Fearing that the situation was spiraling out of control, the majority of Christian families fled their homes, leaving everything behind."
A complaint is filed against Haroon Shahzad under Section 295-A of the Pakistani Penal Code which condemns "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class by insulting their religion or religious beliefs".
Haroon faces a 10-year prison sentence, with or without a fine.
On July 4, he was placed in "preventive detention", while his lawyer, Aneeqa Maria of The Voice Society, had obtained his bail. The latter specifies that there is a dispute between the plaintiff and Haroon about land.
MC
