Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) says Mr Masih, a Christian from Chungi Amar Sadu in Lahore, was charged on September 10, 2005 under Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code. Section 295C relates to blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed and carries the death penalty. Although no one has yet been executed by the State for blasphemy, several have been murdered by extremists. He has been held in Kot Lakhpat prison since September 11, 2005, where he faces regular threats to his security.

CSW says Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are regularly misused as a means of settling scores or targeting religious minorities. Although Younis Masih will now appeal against the sentence in the High Court, he faces death threats from extremists even while he remains in jail.

The human rights organization says that Section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which relates to blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed, was introduced in 1986 by the then ruler of Pakistan, General Zia ul-Haq. Section 295B, relating to desecration of the Koran, was introduced in 1982.

The blasphemy laws require simply an accusation by one man against another for a case to be filed. In almost all cases the charges are entirely fabricated. Younis Masih was outspoken against incidents of rape committed against Christian girls, and is a Christian himself. It is believed these were the reasons he was accused of blasphemy.

Group Captain (Rtd) Cecil Chaudhry, Executive Secretary of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) and one of Pakistan’s leading human rights activists, said: "This judgment in the case of Younis Masih is an example of the blatant abuse of the blasphemy laws. The laws require absolutely no evidence, and no proof of intent, and as such they are a tool in the hands of extremists to threaten and destroy the lives of anyone they disagree with.

"In addition, the judiciary is threatened and is therefore unable to provide a fair trial. Furthermore, the safety of the accused, and of the lawyers defending them, is under constant threat. Younis Masih faces severe danger in jail. It is imperative that the international community raises this case with the Pakistani authorities as a matter of urgency to ensure that Younis Masih, and others like him, receive proper protection and a fair appeals process. Ultimately, this unjust law which is so open to abuse must be repealed."

Stuart Windsor, National Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said: "We are so saddened and deeply concerned to hear that Younis Masih has been sentenced to death. We will do all we can to raise his case with the Pakistani authorities and the international community. This is a blatant miscarriage of justice and the world should not stand by while an innocent man faces death."

CSW is a human rights organization which specializes in religious freedom, works on behalf of those persecuted for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all.

For more information, please contact Penny Hollings, Campaigns and Media Manager at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045, email pennyhollings@csw.org.uk  or visit www.csw.org.uk.  

** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent for ASSIST News Service of Lake Forest, California. Michael immigrated to the United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in September, 1995. He is married with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB Europe, a British Christian radio station.