In October 2020, Pakistani Christian Sawan Masih was acquitted and released from prison after spending seven years on death row following a 2013 conviction under Sec 295-C of Pakistan’s Penal Code.

The original charge of blasphemy led to well documented rioting in the predominantly Christian, Joseph Colony area of Lahore. While bringing joy to the family, his release has placed their lives in jeopardy due to the prevailing climate of intolerance, which has resulted in death threats against him and threats of violence towards his wife and three teenage children. As a result, the Masih family has been forced into hiding, effectively creating five new prisoners.

The Masih family have relatives and a support framework ready to receive them in Scotland, and as such safe extraction from Pakistan and settlement in the UK offers the best chance for them to find healing and rebuild their lives in peace.

We call on the Rt. Hon. Suella Braverman, Home Secretary and the United Kingdom Government to grant permission to re-settle Sawan Masih and his family in Scotland and also to continue raising with the Government of Pakistan the detrimental impact of the 295-B and 295-C Penal Code blasphemy laws.