Church bombing: ‘Release innocents held after Youhanabad riots’

Govt discriminating against Christians, protesters say.

LAHORE: Activists for Christians’ rights protested on Sunday in front of Lahore Press Club accusing the government of discriminating against them after twin church attacks in Youhanabad.

Participants of the protest, organised by the Masiha Millat Party (MMP), chanted slogans against police and the government.

They demanded the release of those detained by police without evidence, including party chairman Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra. Sahotra’s children and wife also took part in the protest demonstration.

MMP president William Javed accused police of torturing and humiliating those held from Youhanabad after the March attacks. He said dozens had been arrested unnecessarily.

Javed said they would continue to protest until the release of all innocent people. He also said Christian representation in assemblies and the Senate should come through election and not by the ruling party.

He demanded equal rights for Christian women. Javed said the missionary properties, nationalised by the government, should be returned.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2015.