Gender: Male

Current Location: Sialkot District Jail

Perpetrator: Pakistan

Religion or Belief: Christian – Unspecified/Other

Health Concerns: Bipolar disorder

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Date of Detainment: March//2019

Date of Release: June/10/2022

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

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

Nature of Charges: Blasphemy

Stephen Masih

Extra Bio Info:

Stephen Masih was detained for blasphemy.

In March 2019, authorities arrested Masih after he was accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad.  According to reports, the accusation stemmed from a dispute Masih had with a neighbor.  Following the accusation, a mob gathered outside of his home, attacked him, and set the home on fire. 

In June 2019, Masih was formally charged with "insulting the Prophet Muhammad" (Sec. 295-C PPC) three months after his arrest. 

In October 2021, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called for Masih's release. 

There are concerns Masih faces threats of violence in prison.  Likewise, prison authorities have reportedly not provided him with adequate medical care. He suffers from a mental disability. 

On May 31, 2022, Masih was granted bail.

On June 10, 2022, Masih was reportedly released from prison. 

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