5 Christians Charged With Blasphemy Are Released By Pakistan Court

Bos News Life reported yesterday that the release of five Christians charged with insulting Islam has been negotiated in Pakistan. Under the arrangement, a Punjab court ordered the five released, and Islamic clergy will issue a fatwa declaring them innocent of blasphemy. The charges against the five grew out of communal violence that was triggered after an argument between a 12-year old Christian boy and a Muslim acquaintance. Their argument resulted in a sticker containing the name of Allah ending up on the ground. Meanwhile Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, says he favors repeal of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.