Zafar Bhatti, a Pakistani Christian, was convicted of ‘blasphemy’ in 2017 and sentenced to life in jail. He has fought to clear his name since then, but an appeal court sentenced him to death on 3 January. It not only upheld his conviction but also ruled that the proper sentence for ‘blasphemy against Muhammad’ was death, not life imprisonment. The ruling was based on a 1991 constitutional court decision. Zafar’s legal representatives will appeal against both the death penalty and the original conviction. He was convicted of ‘blasphemy’ for allegedly sending texts insulting Muhammad on a phone that was not registered in his name. He has always denied the allegations. He has suffered a heart attack in prison, and there are serious concerns for his deteriorating physical and mental health. Pray for God to restore his mental and physical health.
Pakistan: Christian sentenced to death
Written by David Fletcher 27 Jan 2022Additional Info
- Pray: for the Holy Spirit to convict the judge presiding over his appeal to vindicate Zafar. Pray for justice for Zafar in his hour of trial. (James 1:12)
- More: mailchi.mp/barnabasfund/prayer-focus-update-february-2022?e=026ee53901