Mentally ill Christian man accused of “blasphemy” in Pakistan

Church leaders and minority rights activists in Pakistan have spoken out against the arrest on “blasphemy” charges of a mentally ill Christian man in Punjab province.

Farhan Javed, 28, was detained on 26 January after it was alleged he had made derogatory remarks against Islam to a farmer in Sahiwal, report Barnabas Aid contacts.

He was arrested under the Pakistan Penal Code sections 295-A and 298-A, which carry maximum jail sentences of ten and three years, respectively, as well as section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Family members say Farhan, who lives with his widowed mother, has been falsely accused of “blasphemy”, a crime he can’t comprehend because of his medical condition.

They are fearful for his life because even rumours of “blasphemy” can stir up outrage among Muslim extremists and cause mob violence in Pakistan.

As news of the allegations against Farhan emerged, district police dispatched officers to Sahiwal to ensure the safety of Farhan, his family and the Christian neighbourhood. Officers were also posted outside the village church.

Church leaders and minority rights activists have expressed sorrow at Farhan’s arrest. They have called for him to be medically examined to confirm his condition and his inability to stand trial.

It is not the first time that vulnerable Christians have been accused under Pakistan’s notorious “blasphemy” laws. Stephen Masih, mentally disabled by typhoid fever in childhood, served three years in jail for “blasphemy” before he was released, aged 41, on bail by Lahore High Court in July 2022.

In June 2024, Christian Jamila Jacob, who has mental health problems, was charged with “blasphemy” under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries a mandatory death sentence. She was accused by a shopkeeper following a dispute in the store, although eyewitnesses said the incident was minor and did not involve any “blasphemous” remarks.