Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Pakistan

Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other

Health Concerns: Physical disability

Reports of Torture: Yes

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: Acquitted

Sentence: Originally Death

Date of Detainment: July//2013

Date of Sentencing: April/4/2014

Date of Release: July/1/2021

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Blasphemy (General) Blasphemy (Religious Figures) Blasphemy (Religious Texts) Online Activity

Nature of Charges: Blasphemy Hate Speech

Shafqat Emmanuel

Extra Bio Info:

Shafqat Emmanuel was imprisoned and sentenced to death for blasphemy.

In July 2013, authorities arrested Emmanuel and his wife, Shagufta Kausar, for allegedly sending blasphemous texts.  The content of the messages is unclear.  The two were reportedly charged with "desecrating the Qur'an" (Sec. 295-B PPC), "insulting the Prophet Muhammad" (Sec. 295-C PPC), and "causing annoyance, intimidation, and harassment" (Sec. 25-D Telegraph Act, 1885). Shafqat was reportedly tortured into confessing. 

On April 4, 2014, Emmanuel and Kausar were sentenced to death.

Emmanuel was reportedly denied adequate medical care while imprisoned. 

On June 3, 2021, Emmanuel and Kausar were acquitted.

On July 1, 2021, Emmanuel and Kausar were released from prison.

Emmanuel and Kausar reportedly have four children.

Emmanuel is reportedly partially paralyzed.

Related Cases: Shagufta Kausar

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