Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Pakistan

Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Acquitted

Sentence: Death

Date of Detainment: March/9/2013

Date of Sentencing: March/27/2014

Date of Release: October/15/2020

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Blasphemy (General) Blasphemy (Religious Figures)

Nature of Charges: Blasphemy

Sawan Masih

Extra Bio Info:

Sawan Masih was imprisoned and sentenced to death for blasphemy.

On March 9, 2013, authorities arrested Masih, a street sweeper, after he was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a dispute with a friend.  In light of the accusation, a mob of more than 3,000 destroyed more than 100 Christian homes, dozens of businesses, and at least two churches.

On March 27, 2014, Masih was sentenced to death for "insulting the Prophet Muhammad" (Sec. 295-C PPC) in a closed trial in prison.

On October 6, 2020, the Lahore High Court acquitted Masih.

On October 15, 2020, Masih was reportedly released from prison. 

Masih is reportedly a father of three.

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