The prosecution stated that Ali had been found desecrating the holy book after Fajr prayers on the 4th of June 2021. A complaint was filed against him at the Korangi Police Station. Shortly after he was arrested. The court case has been progressing since. 

 Even though Ali’s solicitor emphasized that there had been a deferral in filing the complaint and no one reported anything to the police in 2021, additional District and Sessions Judge Shahid Ali Memon stated that the Christian man was guilty, based on the charges brought by the prosecution. According to these, Ali had defiled copies of the Quran and was blameworthy under Section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code: “All the prime witnesses had fully supported the case regarding the date of offense, time of the offense, arrest of accused, seizure of property, etc. In other words, it can safely be said that all the witnesses, including the complainant, had corroborated each other, and the learned defence counsel made cross-examination upon them, but he has not been able to cause any dent to their evidence.”

Eight witnesses brought in by the prosecution claimed that Ali had committed blasphemy beyond a shadow of a doubt and should be jailed for life. The defence solicitor pointed out contradictions in the witness statements.

Under the Pakistani legislation, insulting the prophet Muhammad can be punished by death, and desecrating the Quran is chargeable by life sentence.

“Whoever wilfully defiles, damages or desecrates a copy of the Holy Qur’an or of an extract therefrom or uses it in any derogatory manner or for any unlawful purpose shall be punishable with imprisonment for life” states Section 295 C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

According to Open Doors UK, Christians face severe penalties for false accusations in Pakistan. Judges have been pressured to give life imprisonment or death sentence regardless of evidence. They are threatened with physical violence if they don’t comply. 

Source: https://www.persecution.org/