In Rawalpindi, Pakistan Arshed Masih's only crime was that he refused to convert to Islam; for that his punishment was that he was burnt and his wife Martha was raped by Police officers.
The influential employer of Masih, Sheikh Mohammed Sultan who is a local businessman. Masih was employed as a driver and his wife was a domestic servant for Sheikh since 2005. Earlier this year Sheikh and some religious leaders got together and instructed him to embrace Islam, Masih refused to give up his faith and he was then threatened of consequences. Masih who then offered to resign was threatened with his life if he did so.
Doctors treating Masih have said that 80% of his body is burnt, both Masih and his wife were rushed to the Holy Family hospital. The couples three children ranging in age from 7 to 12 were forced to witness the barbaric attacks.
There are few chances of the 38 year surviving this ordeal said a hospital source.
Crimes against Christians are common in Pakistan and on the rise with little or no financial or legal support. The infamous blasphemy law too has been on the rise, earlier this month a woman in Gujranwala was falsely framed for commercial jealously by her neighboring shop keepers and more recently Kiran George was burnt by her muslim employer in Sheikhapura.
Punjab's Minister of Law Rana Sanaullah said in a statement “The matter will be investigated and the culprits will be arrested,"
Masih was attacked Friday, March 19, in Rawalpindi, some sources wanting to be anonymous for security reasons claim it was a Police station and at least three police officers and five Muslim religious leaders were present.
The officers are also suspected of having raped his wife, 33-year-old Martha Masih, in the police station. Police Superintendent Moin Shah. "The victimized family will get justice". With police involved in the attack and the bread winner in the hospital fighting death, what justice will Masih and his family receive?
Martha Masih was still being admitted at the Holy Family Hospital and being treated for her injuries, he only crime was standing for the faith and by her husband's side.
Sheikh reported a theft of 500,000 Pakistani Rupees (5,952$), according to a document. The Christian family members were not named as suspects in the FIR from police. He tried to use this case to blackmail Masih asking him to convert or be jailed.
Punjab Minister Sanaullah had earlier denied the attacks took place, falsely claiming Masih "had burned himself", however in no time he admitted to such a crime taking place.
Christian groups said they would organize protests Monday, March 22, to demand justice. The rallies are to be held in the Chandni Chowk area of Rawalpindi at 1400 hours local time and in the city of Lahore's Youhanabad area at 1600 hours.
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