Christians pay price after inmate escapes from Adiala Jail
Human rights activist Xavier William told AsiaNews that access to the only church in a Pakistani correctional facility has been restricted. Opened in 2009, the place of worship was used by about 200 Christian inmates. Former PM Imran Khan is among the prisoners held in the facility. For William, a balance must be found “between security and religious freedom;” he urges prison authorities to “review this decision”.
Rome (AsiaNews) – About 200 Christians are victims of “abuse, discrimination and aggression” in Rawalpindi Central Jail, Punjab Province, this according to Xavier William, a human rights activist.
Speaking to AsiaNews, the 37-year-old said that the inmates’ religious freedom is being restricted during Lent after access to the facility’s church was curtailed.
The maximum-security penitentiary, which is also known as Adiala Jail, is the first correctional facility with a church. When it was inaugurated in 2009, it was hailed as a significant step forward for the country.
Adiala Jail currently holds former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, some of his aides, as well as some high-profile terrorists.
Restrictions were imposed following a major security lapse when a prisoner managed to escape last month. Six prison officials were suspended for negligence.
The crackdown came down particularly hard on Christian inmates since they only have access to the church for two hours on Sundays.
“I visit them in prison and in court,” Xavier William explained. “They are already facing many difficulties, both inside the prison and with the judicial system. They are forced to clean the cells and suffer repeated abuse. Now they are even denied access to the church, to pray or engage in activities for their spiritual growth.”
The activist has been working for over a decade with groups defending the rights of the marginalised. “In recent years I have fought in the cases of Asia Bibi, Rimsha Masih and other people wrongly accused,” he said.
The living conditions inside reflect the hostilities faced by Christians on a daily basis even outside the prison walls. “In the most disadvantaged areas, life is a real nightmare,” William laments.
The measures taken by the prison administration raise serious questions about religious freedom and the rights of minority communities in Pakistan.
“Shutting down the church, after a prisoner escaped, is a lopsided response, which disproportionately affects Christian prisoners in a country where this community represents 1.8 per cent of the population."
“The measure undermines their ability to observe important religious traditions, such as spending extended time in prayer and reflection in the run-up to Easter,” William said. For this reason, he calls on the Minister of Prisons, the General Inspectorate of Prisons and all the competent authorities to intervene.
“It is urgent that the management review this decision, ensure the reopening of the church and allow Christian prisoners to practise their faith without undue restrictions," William added. "Balancing security measures with the protection of religious freedoms is essential to uphold the principles of justice and equality in Pakistan."
The activist has certain suggestions. “Instead of banning access to the church, safety protocols during religious activities should be improved," he proposes. This can be done by increasing the number of supervisors during worship hours, and implementing stricter controls at entry and exit, aided by video surveillance technology “to monitor activities without interrupting prayer.”
William goes on to also suggest “staggered access to the church,” and “appointing trusted spiritual advisors or chaplains to oversee religious activities, working closely with prison authorities.” And special provisions should be made for religious holidays like Lent, Ramadan, Christmas and Easter to “facilitate spiritual observance”.
In case security concerns require action, it would always be necessary to “involve religious representatives and prisoners' leaders to develop joint solutions, so that the measures are perceived as just and necessary, rather than discriminatory.”
Finally, it would also be appropriate to “establish a committee composed of prison authorities, religious representatives, and human rights defenders to periodically review policies. To ensure a constant balance between security and religious freedom.”
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29/02/2024 20:15
20/04/2020 15:34
