PAKISTAN: DEMONSTRATION OVER ACQUITTAL OF TWO CHRISTIANS

(24 Feb 1995) English/Nat There have been more angry scenes over the acquittal of two Christians accused of blasphemy against Islam. Hundreds of Muslim fundamentalists staged protests in two northeastern cities on Friday. But police began an apparent crackdown, arresting 33 Muslims belonging to fundamentalist groups believed linked to a recent surge in sectarian violence. The attorney for Salamat and Rehmat fears for their lives. Thursday's ruling dismissing blasphemy charges against 14 year old Salamat Masih and his uncle, Rehmat Masih, brought scenes of fury outside the Lahore courtroom. Extremists vowed to kill the defendants, judges and lawyers in the case. The High Court had ruled there was no evidence against them, a decision brought this emotional outcry from Muslim fundamentalists. Defence Attorney Hina Jilani says she is worried for her clients' safety. SOUNDBITE: We are very concerned about their security we know that the hard-line fundamentalist parties are very violent in their reactions. While they are living in Pakistan there is always danger to their lives. SUPER CAPTION: Hina Jilani, Attorney for Salamat and Rehmat Masih Police in riot gear and armed with automatic rifles swarmed over the court, taking positions on rooftops, forming a human chain around the sprawling premises and standing guard at its four entrances. The teenager and his uncle are still in custody - mainly to protect their lives. Human rights organizations, including the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch, have criticized Pakistan for its vaguely worded blasphemy laws introduced in the 1980s by military dictator Gen. Mohammed Zia-ul Haq. SOUNDBITE: We are going to keep a very low profile. And because what we are saying is this is not a fight between the two communities. We are simply seeking for justice. And we are saying that these are simple people who have been falsely implicated in the case. SUPER CAPTION: unknown Six people have been sentenced to death under the laws, although no hanging has yet been carried out. Most of Pakistan's 130 million people are Sunni Muslims. There are about 2 million Christians in Pakistan. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...