Pakistani Christian Charged with Blasphemy After Posting TikTok Video
By Movieguide® Contributor
A Christian in Pakistan has been charged with blasphemy after sharing a TikTok video that had resulted in attacks on Christian homes and businesses in Jaranwala.
27-year-old Ehsaan Shan Masih was arrested on August 19 after sharing images of two Christian brothers who had desecrated pages of the Koran, which were accompanied by blasphemous comments.
Masih could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine or both under Section 295-A of Pakistan’s blasphemy statute for “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.”
“Ehsaan is a laborer and father to two minor children – he cannot read or write and barely manages his livelihood,” Bishop Abraham Daniel of the Sahiwal Baptist Church told Morning Star News. “He came across a video on social media related to the attacks in Jaranwala that he posted on his TikTok account.”
“Ehsaan was probably not even aware that sharing such content is a crime, but it’s said that ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” Daniel continued. “We pray for his early release, but at the same time I’d urge my fellow Christians to be extra cautious on social media.”
Morning Star News explained, “The images were reportedly of the material that led to the rioting that began on Wednesday (Aug. 16) in Jaranwala…where two Christians were charged after one found desecrated pages of the Koran accompanied by blasphemous comments attached to a photo of him and his brother.”
The riots resulted in 19 churches and 86 houses being damaged or destroyed by fire.
While some Christians from the area have been able to return to their homes, many have nothing left to return to and fear continued prosecution for their beliefs. Even those with a house to return to face a long road back to normalcy as there is little of anything of use left on their property.
“I’m left with nothing,” a father of three children said. “They took whatever valuables they could get their hands on and then simply set fire to the quarters.”
“When we returned to our home the next day, we saw that the front door was broken down, and all our valuables, including electronic appliances, had been stolen,” shared another Pakistani Christian. “They even ripped apart my children’s cupboard and broke their toys. Fortunately, they didn’t torch the house, otherwise we would be without shelter too.”
Morning Star News added that though the local government has promised to help the families affected by the riot, their 2 million rupee ($6,723) compensation will only go so far in restoring normalcy to these people’s lives.
“We want to assure our brothers and sister in Christ that we are with them in this time of grief,” Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall told Morning Star News. “We continue to pray for them and have faith that our Lord will alleviate their suffering.”
Pakistan ranks No. 7 out of 50 countries where Christians face the most persecution on Open Doors “World Watch List.”
Please pray for a just trial and quick release for Masih and peace in Pakistan as these Christian families try to return to normalcy.
Movieguide® previously reported:
THE VOICE contestant Tasha Jessen has blown away viewers with her talent and moving story about growing up in Pakistan.
At her audition, Jessen shared some of her personal history, including what it was like to grow up in Pakistan.
“Growing up, my parents were super musical; my whole family sings,” Jessen explained. “But life was hard in Pakistan because Pakistan is an Islamic country, and I was the one Christian kid in school.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
