Christian demonstrators, police clash in Pakistan

Associated Press

LAHORE, Pakistan

Hundreds of Christians clashed with police across Pakistan on Sunday, a day after a Muslim mob burned dozens of homes owned by members of the minority religious group in retaliation for purported insults against Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.

Christians are often the target of Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws, which rights activists say are frequently used to persecute religious minorities or settle personal disputes. Politicians are reluctant to reform the laws for fear of attack by religious radicals, as has happened in the past.

The plight of Pakistan’s other religious minorities, such as Shiite Muslims, Hindus and Ahmadis, has deepened in recent years as hard-line interpretations of Islam have gained ground and militants have stepped up attacks against groups they oppose. Most Pakistanis are Sunni Muslims.

The latest incident began Friday after a Muslim in the eastern city of Lahore accused a Christian man of blasphemy — an offense punishable by life in prison or even death. A day later, hundreds of angry Muslims rampaged through the Christian neighborhood, burning about 170 houses.

Authorities have arrested 160 suspected members of the mob, many of whom were identified through TV footage and photos published in newspapers, said police officer Abdur Rehman.

It remains to be seen whether anyone will be held to account. Mob violence is not uncommon after blasphemy allegations, and police often round up many suspects. However, these arrests rarely result in actual convictions.

The largest demonstrations Sunday were in Lahore and the city of Karachi. About 1,000 people protested.