Man accused of blasphemy dies in prison in Pakistan

Another Christian has died in a Pakistani prison,
raising concern for the safety of Asia Bibi.

Concerns for Asia Bibi, a Christian woman in prison on charges of blasphemy, have grown since the death of another Pakistani Christian prisoner, reports International Christian Concern.

On September 9, Aslam Masih died of the Dengue virus, a treatable disease. It is believed that officials denied him proper medical treatment. The Christian man was arrested in 2010 when an Islamic missionary group falsely accused him of blasphemy. Aslam was initially released due to a lack of evidence but pressure from radical Muslims led to his re-arrest.

This is only the most recent instance in a string of similar cases. In March, Pakistani official reported that a Qamar David, a Christian man also accused of blasphemy, died of a heart attack. His lawyer insisted he was murdered. In 2009, Falish Masih was found dead in his cell. He had wounds all over his body, but police say he committed suicide.

The recent death of Aslam Masih and these other examples make the Christian community wary about Asia Bibi’s safety in prison. You can help by signing a petition on behalf of Asia Bibi at www.CallforMercy.com.

To read the full report, click here.