CNN reports today:
Outraged Pakistani Christians took to the streets of Lahore on Sunday, protesting a rash of violence against their community over the weekend. Demonstrators denounced the burning of more than 100 homes of Christians on Saturday -- a spree spurred by allegations that a Christian man made remarks against the Muslim prophet Mohammed.
The blasphemy charges were filed against Sawan Masih who denies the charges and says they were filed after he and two other men got into an argument while drinking. Pakistan's Human Rights Commission said:
The attack is yet another shameful incident against a vulnerable community and further confirmation of the slide toward extremism in society on the one hand and, on the other hand, the apathy and inaction that has become the norm among the police.
UPDATE: Pakistan's President Asif Zardari on Sunday instructed the Prime Minister to compensate each Christian family affected in the amount of 500,000 Rs (approximately $5000 US). He also pledged protection of non-Muslim citizens to the same extent as Muslims and said those involved in the vandalism should be brought to justice. He asked religious leaders for suggestions on how to prevent misuse of the blasphemy law. (
Pakistan Today 3/11).
