by Rob Moll
CCN-USA
Pakistan–Ayub Masih has been in prison for six years and has been awaiting execution since 1998, but last month the Pakistani Supreme Court overturned the blasphemy conviction which brought with it the death sentence.
The Voice of the Martyrs has reported that its Pakistan contacts say that the Supreme Court ordered Masih to be released, though he is still being held while paperwork is being processed.
VOM said that Christians throughout Pakistan are rejoicing because of the news of Masih’s release.
The Citizen USA reported last month that Masih has continued to serve God by preaching to fellow inmates, including one prisoner who converted to Christianity in jail. Though he was able to speak to his converted friend, Masih was isolated from other prisoners, partly for his own safety.
Masih has also maintained correspondence to family and friends writing of his trials in prison and his spiritual growth. He also wrote a 70-page leaflet on spiritual topics.
VOM has stressed that Masih’s trials are not over. Neither are they over for the nine other Pakistani Christians imprisoned on blasphemy charges according to Open Doors USA.
“This is obviously good news for Ayub and for those who care about the persecution of Christians in Pakista,” said Todd Nettleton, VOM spokesperson. “However, we want to remind Christians in America and other nations not to give up in their prayers on his behalf.”
According to Terry Madison, president of Open Doors USA, “Ayub’s life remains in danger, especially from those Muslim upset with the decision of the court. We cannot let up our prayer vigil for Ayub. Also, there are nine other Pakistani Christians imprisoned on blasphemy chares. Their lives could be put in jeopardy with the Ayub decision. While we celebrate Ayub’s pending release, we need to keep the other Christian prisoners in our prayers too.”
Ayub Masih was arrested on Oct. 14, 1996 after being accused of speaking against Islam and Mohammed. Masih and his brother were beaten by a group of radical Muslims, then taken to jail. His brother was released, but Masih has been incarcerated since, surviving at least two attempts on his life.