Christian prisoner's suspicious death
Qamar David, a Christian awaiting appeal against a blasphemy conviction in 2010, was found dead on 15 March in his prison cell in Karachi, Pakistan. Although prison authorities say that he died of a heart attack, church leaders and human rights activists have expressed scepticism about this claim and demanded that the cause of Qamar's death be investigated independently.
Qamar David – falsely charged with blasphemy
Qamar was originally from Hamza town in Lahore, but owned a paint business in Karachi. On 8 June 2006 he was charged with blasphemy under Sections 295A and 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code, based on claims made by business rivals. He was accused of sending text messages which contained derogatory remarks about the Prophet, Mohammed. Under this law, a Karachi court sentenced Qamar David to life imprisonment in February 2010. His lawyer has sought an appeal hearing ever since. Both Qamar David and his lawyer had been threatened by mobs at nearly every court hearing in this case.
Violent and discriminatory treatment of blasphemy prisoner
Qamar was held in Karachi's Central Jail, where he was threatened and beaten by prison officials and other prisoners. His harsh treatment inside prison casts a shadow over his death, which some claim was due to foul play rather than natural causes. Such treatment is not uncommon for those accused of blasphemy. Qamar's lawyer, Parvez Choudhry of LADS, gives the example of Naseem Bibi another Christian accused of blasphemy. Her death in prison in 2003 was again labeled as heart failure, despite threats and attacks in the week before she died. Attempts to secure a judicial enquiry into the cause of her death were unsuccessful.
CSW's response to Qamar's death
Andrew Johnston, CSW's Advocacy Director said, "We are shocked to hear this sad news and our thoughts and prayers are with Qamar David's wife and children. The last five years of this family's life have been utterly ravaged by the consequences of a vindictive blasphemy accusation that would have very likely been dismissed by the High Court in time. It is yet another tragic example of lives needlessly destroyed by the blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the inability of the government, court system and prisons to prevent this. Given the threats known to be faced by blasphemy prisoners, it is imperative that the true cause of his death be investigated properly and independently.
"This news comes less than two weeks after the assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti, and it underlines the urgent need to continue his work. The government must address both the ease with which the blasphemy laws can be abused, and the social attitudes which view it as acceptable to do so."
CSW continues to speak up for those accused of blasphemy, and to work with our partners on the ground, some of whom represent those on trial or already serving life sentences.
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Pray
- For Qamar's wife Tabasam and children as they mourn the death of their husband and father.
- For all those suffering unjustly under Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws, especially those in prison on death row.
- Pray for the LADS lawyers who face danger daily as they represent prisoners who are charged with blasphemy and are targeted by extremists.
- For the Pakistani Government to appoint a strong candidate to continue the work of Shahbaz Bhatti.
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Since 1986, almost 1,000 people have been charged under Pakistan's 'blasphemy laws'. Very few have been convicted but many of the accused spend years in prison awaiting a final verdict. During this time, their families are often left with no income, and suffering the stigma of a blasphemy accusation. Even if the accused person is released, they often struggle to get back into their previous trade or even remain in the same area. But they need to pay for food, bills, and a roof over their head, just as we all do, and they often need costly medical care too. This gift covers a month of basic living expenses for an ex-prisoner or their family – this includes food, rent and medical assistance. By choosing to support an ex-prisoner, you'll give them the opportunity to start a new life with dignity.
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