An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Wednesday acquitted and ordered the release of 42 Christians who were accused in cases pertaining to the lynching of two men in Lahore's Youhanabad colony after suicide bombings targeting two Churches in Lahore during prayers killing dozens of innocent Christians including women & children.
The incident occurred in 2015 when twin suicide bombings outside
two churches in Lahore sparked protests in Youhanabad colony. The protests
turned violent and two men identified as Babar Noman, a tailor, and Hafiz
Naeem, a glass cutter were taken into
police custody as suspects to be facilitators of suicide bombers and both were
killed during a angry mob attack.
In 2016, the ATC had indicted 42 Christians in different
cases pertaining to the incident. Two of the accused Christian prisoners died
in prison allegedly due to Christophobia based hatred resulting refusal of
access to medical treatment of Christian prisoners.
The suspects had filed an application stating that they
should be released because they had reached an agreement with the victims'
families.
The ATC announced the verdict, acquitting all suspects,
including those who passed away, after recording the statements of the victims'
families, who told the court that they had arrived at an agreement with the
suspects and would have no objections over their acquittal.
On behalf of Christian community in Pakistan we’re grateful
to Global & Local Christian community for their generous donations &
financial contribution for settlements which was paid through a local Church.
Without your financial support this was not possible, also the role of Pakistan’s
judiciary must be appreciated who implemented necessary measures following the
fast track and acquitted all accused.
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