Crippled death-row convict moves LHC

Shafqat and Shagufta were arrested after being accused of sending a blasphemous SMS to a local cleric

LAHORE: A disabled Christian man – who, along with his wife, is facing to death penalty for alleged blasphemy and has been languishing in jail for two years – has moved an appeal in Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking his bail in view of his deteriorating health condition. 

Shafqat Masih and Shagufta Kausar were arrested on July 20, 2013 after being accused of sending a blasphemous SMS to a local cleric. They were awarded the death sentence on April 4, 2014.  Shafqat, who cannot move without a wheel-chair, has moved the LHC for suspension of his punishment till final decision on his appeal.

In his application, he submitted that he has developed bed-sores and may die in jail as there is no possibility of a better treatment there.

He said there were serious contradictions in witness accounts against him and he is hopeful of an acquittal on his appeal. Shafqat has requested that he be released on bail so that he can spend his life with his children and get proper treatment. The application will be heard on March 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2015.