Anti-christian Riots 
Catholic leaders in Pakistan have reacted angrily to the acquittals of all 115 suspects charged in relation to the devastating 2013 attack on the Christian community of Joseph Colony in Lahore, north-west Pakistan.
The suspects had been identified as being part of a 3,000-strong mob which stormed through the district, torching at least 100 Christian homes and two churches following allegations that Christian Sawan Masih had made a blasphemous comment against the Prophet Mohammed. However, Judge Mohammad Azam of the Anti-Terrorism Court accepted defence claims that no solid evidence had been presented to link the suspects to the attack and ordered all released.
Following the dismissal of the cases, Cecil S. Chaudhry, of the National Commission for Justice and Peace, an initiative of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan, told the Crux news agency: “It’s strange that not even one person was found to be involved in the attack, especially when there was media present during the attack on Joseph Colony.” He pointed out the ready availability of video footage taken during the attack.
“This verdict is increasing the fears and doubts in the community that the space for civil society is shrinking, and those raising a voice for seeking justice are being ignored,” Chaudhry added.
Meanwhile, Fr James Channan of the Peace Centre in Lahore, Pakistan, said the outcome of the case had caused fear among Christians in the city.
