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.