Over 100 Christians Arrested in Pakistan for Riots after Church Suicide Bombings

Over 100 Pakistani Christians have been arrested in connection with riots that followed Taliban suicide attacks on two churches. Two people that were suspected to be involved with the suicide bombing were beaten to death and burned by crowds in the riots. 

A senior investigation officer confirmed that the arrested had been made. "We first established identity of the suspects through TV footages, still cameras and other relevant sources before laying hand on them,” the official said. 

The Christian Post reports that crowds violently protested for better protection from the government after suicide bombers killed 17 people in Christ Church and Catholic Church of Youhanabad Christian Colony. Christians Sohail Johnason and Yousaf Kamran reportedly led the lynching of the two men. 

Religious leaders have condemned the violence and urged the government to release the Christians not involved with the murders. 

Haroon Barkat Masih, head of the Masihi Foundation said, "But now all the innocent people who have been stopped have to be released. It is right to bring to justice the perpetrators, but everyone has to be treated in the same way."

Publication date: March 26, 2015