Youhanabad protest
Photo:Dawn.com Fourty-two Christians accused of lynching two Muslim youths in the aftermath of the terror attack on two churches in Pakistan have been acquitted.
The twin suicide bombings took place at Christ Church and St John’s Catholic Church in Lahore on March 15, 2015 which killed at least 14 and injured several others.
After the attack, Christians took to the streets in Youhanabad to protest and two Muslim men, accused of being involved, were lynched by the mob.
But last week a judge at the anti-terrorism court ordered the release of 42 suspects after the family of the victims and the accused reached an alleged financial settlement.
While in custody, the suspects had to endure poor living conditions and abuse. As a result of this, two Christians – Indrias Masih and Usman Shaukat – died in custody in 2017.
Nasir Saeed, Director CLAAS-UK said: “The attack on the two churches will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history.
“Those who gave their lives to protect the churches and lives of their fellow brothers and sisters will always be remembered.
“The Church already has their photographs on the outside wall.”