Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Pakistan
Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: June/15/2019
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Blasphemy (General) Blasphemy (Religious Texts)
Nature of Charges: Blasphemy
Saleem Masih
Extra Bio Info:
Saleem Masih was detained for blasphemy.
On June 15, 2019, authorities arrested Masih after a relative accused him of burning pages of the Qur'an. He was reportedly charged with "desecrating the Qur'an" (Sec. 295-B PPC).
On July 20, 2019, Masih was granted bail.
On an unspecified date, Masih was released from prison.
Publicly Available Information:
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The Voiceless Victims of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws International Christian Concern (ICC)
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"Blasphemy case registered to grab land of Saleem Masih in Pakistan" Pakistan Christian Post
Gender: Male
Current Location: Sialkot District Jail
Perpetrator: Pakistan
Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other
Health Concerns: Bipolar disorder
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes
Date of Detainment: March//2019
Date of Release: June/10/2022
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Blasphemy (General) Blasphemy (Religious Figures)
Nature of Charges: Blasphemy
Stephen Masih
Extra Bio Info:
Stephen Masih was detained for blasphemy.
In March 2019, authorities arrested Masih after he was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. According to reports, the accusation stemmed from a dispute Masih had with a neighbor. Following the accusation, a mob gathered outside of his home, attacked him, and set the home on fire.
In June 2019, Masih was formally charged with "insulting the Prophet Muhammad" (Sec. 295-C PPC) three months after his arrest.
In October 2021, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for Masih's release.
There are concerns Masih faces threats of violence in prison. Likewise, prison authorities have reportedly not provided him with adequate medical care. He suffers from a mental disability.
On May 31, 2022, Masih was granted bail.
On June 10, 2022, Masih was reportedly released from prison.
Publicly Available Information:
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USCIRF Commissioner Anurima Bhargava, Tweet, October 22, 2021
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The Voiceless Victims of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws International Christian Concern (ICC)
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"Pakistan: Christian on blasphemy charges must be freed – experts" UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
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Letter to the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Jubilee Campaign
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Pakistan
Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other
Health Concerns: Mental disability
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Date of Detainment: August/12/2017
Date of Release: January//2020
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: No
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Blasphemy (General) Blasphemy (Religious Texts) Children’s Rights
Nature of Charges: Blasphemy
Asif Stephen
Extra Bio Info:
Asif Stephen was detained for blasphemy.
On August 12, 2017, authorities arrested Stephen - a minor at the time - after he was accused of burning pages of the Qur'an. A mob reportedly attacked Stephen and forced him to confess. He was charged with "desecrating the Qur'an" (Sec. 295-B PPC).
In January 2020, Stephen was released on bail.
Stephen reportedly suffers from a mental disability.
Publicly Available Information:
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The Voiceless Victims of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws International Christian Concern (ICC)
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"Blasphemy case against a Christian teenage Asif s/o Stephen" Centre for Legal Aid Assistance & Settlement
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"Christian teenager almost beaten to death in Pakistan 'for burning Quran'" The Independent