A Pakistan court has refused bail to Nadeem Masih, a visually impaired Christian man facing blasphemy charges, despite discrepancies in the police report and witness testimonies. Masih, aged 49, has been in custody since August 21 under Section 295-C, which mandates the death penalty for insulting Prophet Muhammad. The case highlights concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities in Pakistan.
Masih’s lawyer, Javed Sahotra, expressed disappointment over the court’s decision, citing inconsistencies in the First Information Report (FIR) and the credibility of prosecution witnesses. The Lahore High Court judge, Muhammad Jawad Zafar, dismissed Masih’s bail plea on February 4, fearing he might flee or influence witnesses. Sahotra referenced past cases where bail was granted under similar circumstances.
Arrested from a park in Lahore where he worked, Masih was accused of blasphemy based on a police report claiming he committed the offense. However, Sahotra contested this, pointing out discrepancies in the timings and the presence of both Masih and the complainant at the park. The lawyer also raised doubts about the reliability of two prosecution witnesses who delayed reporting the alleged derogatory remarks made by Masih.
Masih’s family believes the blasphemy charge stems from a personal dispute with local contractors. His mother, Martha Yousaf, revealed that Masih was assaulted, detained, and coerced to confess in custody. With Masih being the sole provider for the family after the deaths of his father and another son, his daughter now works in private homes to support the household.
Human Rights Watch has criticized Pakistan’s blasphemy laws for their misuse against religious minorities. The laws have been weaponized to incite violence, displace communities, and seize property. While bail is occasionally granted in blasphemy cases, it remains rare due to public sensitivities. Pakistan continues to be a challenging country for Christians, as highlighted by international watchdogs.
