Pakistan: Catholic Acquitted After 23 Years in Prison

This was a real relief for Supreme Court lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed after the verdict exonerating his client. He had unjustly suffered imprisonment for nearly a quarter of a century due to mental illness. "It is deeply regrettable that an elderly man has spent more than twenty years in prison, despite his condition," he told the Christian Daily International.

In 2001, Kenneth was arrested for letters sent to Muslim scholars and leaders, foreign diplomats, and Christian theologians, allegedly containing offensive language about Muhammad and the Quran. The content was interpreted as a violation of Article 295-C of the Pakistani Penal Code, which punishes insults against the Prophet Muhammad with the death penalty.

According to the defense, the writings expressed only Christian beliefs, with no offensive language against Islamic figures. "The letters simply expounded the Christian faith regarding Islam," the lawyer explained.

The acquittal was welcomed by Christian circles, who expressed hope that it would set a precedent. Dominican Fr. James Channan, director of the Lahore Peace Center, expressed his gratitude.

“Thanks to the judges of the Supreme Court for doing justice. Justice is delayed but justice is done. However, I lament that Anwar Kenneth has lost very precious 23 years of his life. Now, those who falsely accused him of blasphemy must be put behind bars – at least for 23 years,” 

It should be added that this convict's situation is part of an alarming context.

According to the Center for Social Justice's annual Human Rights Observer report, in 2024, 344 people were accused of blasphemy, a figure that exceeds the 329 cases the previous year. In addition, ten extrajudicial killings of accused blasphemers were recorded.

Faced with this situation, Fr. Channan called on the Pakistani authorities to thoroughly review blasphemy legislation and prevent its misuse. "Our authorities and lawmakers must look into the grave misuse of blasphemy laws. And ensure that they are not misused and not used to settle personal scores,” he warned.

This last remark is very apt. It has long been documented that this law, especially in Pakistan, is used to enact revenge, oust a competitor, seize property, or commit other wrongdoings. Such abuses are not unique to Pakistan, but the punishment of Pakistan's blasphemy law is radical and definitive if enforced.