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Confronting Religious Persecution at the IRF Summit

Feb. 10Stories That Demand Action:

Last week I spoke on a panel at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C.—a global gathering that brings together advocates, policymakers, and legal experts from around the world who are on the front lines of defending religious freedom. The Summit provides a rare forum to share firsthand experiences, expose ongoing...More

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Save Christians From Murder in Congo

Save Christians From Murder in...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has once again become the site of unspeakable violence , with Christian communities being targeted by terrorists and militant forces. On February 15, over 70 Christians – primarily women, children, and the elderly – were added to the list of victims when they were abducted...More

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Two Muslim men, Wali Khan and Adam Khan, attacked and brutally murdered 50-year-old Shahzada Shahbaz, a Christian father of four daughters, because the men wanted his land. The ACLJ’s affiliate in Pakistan, the Organization for Legal Aid (OLA), just secured justice for Shahbaz’s family.

Shahbaz owned about 11,000 square feet of agricultural land in a village, Chak No. 548. The land had been in his family for about half a century. However, the Khans were determined to occupy Shahbaz’s land by any means necessary.

In January 2023, the Khans had an altercation with Shahbaz’s nephew. Shahbaz’s father tried to intervene and was injured during the altercation. The matter was reported to the police, but they did not take action.

On February 10, 2023, the Khans and four accomplices attacked Shahbaz while he was at home with his two nephews. During the fight, Wali Khan hit Shahbaz with a brick on his head, killing him instantly.

This time the police acted and arrested the Khans. The case was referred to our affiliate, and our attorneys represented the family by prosecuting the defendants for murder.

In July 2023, the Khans filed for bail, and the court denied the request after we presented arguments opposing the bail. In November 2023, the Khans again applied for bail at the High Court. After hearing arguments, the High Court also denied bail.

After several hearings, the trial concluded on May 31, 2023, and the court sentenced both defendants to 14 years’ imprisonment and ordered them to pay the victim’s family a sum of Rs. 67,57,902 (approximately $24,000) in damages. However, the OLA attorneys are appealing this decision, seeking to enhance the sentence with more prison time.

While Shahbaz’s daughters have lost their father, they still have some consolation that their father’s killers are in prison. We thank you for your prayers and support, which enable us to represent Christian families in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, tragic murders of Christians in Pakistan are all too frequent – and the Pakistani authorities often turn a blind eye. For example, a 500-person mob just senselessly murdered a Pakistani Christian, Nazir Masih, and burned down his factory. Despite Nazir’s death and the destruction of his factory, the police outrageously charged him with willful destruction of the Quran.

In Pakistan, innocent Christians continue to be targeted and murdered, such as Shahzada Shahbaz and Nazir Masih, and the authorities must be pressured to take action. The ACLJ will continue to defend Christians in Pakistan. Please pray for our Pakistani brothers and sisters and for our Pakistani affiliate to be able to provide much-needed legal help.

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