Christian man acquitted of blasphemy charges in Pakistani court

A Pakistani court on July 6 acquitted a Christian man of blasphemy charges after finding insufficient evidence that he intentionally desecrated the Quran, ending a legal battle that had kept him imprisoned for more than two years, according to UCA News.

The Additional Sessions Court in Lahore cleared Dennis Albert, 37, of all charges and ordered his immediate release after concluding prosecutors failed to prove he deliberately desecrated sacred Islamic texts, the outlet reported. The offense carried a potential life sentence under Pakistan's Penal Code.

According to UCA News, defense attorney Asad Jamal said the judge, Abdul Ghaffar, rejected key portions of the prosecution's case, including security camera footage and witness testimony, finding them unreliable. Albert had been jailed since April 27, 2024, after a Muslim complainant accused him of intentionally desecrating pages containing verses from the Quran.

Albert's family said the incident was accidental. According to UCA News, his brother said Albert stepped out of his autorickshaw, a three-wheeled motorized taxi, barefoot and unknowingly stepped onto loose papers that contained Quranic text while trying to avoid stepping on the scorching pavements.

The accusation drew an angry crowd that surrounded Albert and forced his family to flee their home for safety, the outlet reported.

UCA News said Church leaders and human rights advocates welcomed the acquittal but noted the case underscores continuing concerns about Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which they say are frequently used against religious minorities.