Posted on 31 March, 2022
ADF India allied lawyers were able to immediately secure bail in the Jashpur matter. Bail in the other two incidents expected soon
On March 27th and 28th, ADF India allied lawyers responded to three false reports of forced conversion against pastors and Christians from Jashpur (Chhattisgarh), Etawah and Fatehpur (Uttar Pradesh).
In the Jashpur incident, on March 27th, a pastor and a Christian were booked for organising a "changai sabha" (Special Prayer for Healing) where, according to the complaint, they were allegedly attempting to convert tribals. The two Christians have been booked under IPC sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and Section 34 (common intention) and section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act.
On the same day (March 27th), in the Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh, an FIR of alleged forced conversation caused seven Christians to be put in judicial custody under the Uttar Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. The charge brought by the village head against them is that they were trying to convert a Dalit family.
The very next day (March 28th), the same Act was invoked to implicate two Christians in Fatehpur for having a prayer meeting with 10-12 people.
In each of the incidents, all the attendees were there by will and without any force or inducement.
Even though these incidents occurred in three separate areas, the pattern in all three incidents is quite consistent. ADF India allied lawyers were able to secure bail for the defendants in the Jashpur incident, and are hard at work for a positive outcome in the other two incidents as well.
In the first 90 days of 2022, the UCF Helpline has already received almost 100 reports of persecution from across India. In the same timeframe, six FIRs have been lodged, 41 complaints registered and 35 Christians and pastors have been released with the assistance of ADF India allied lawyers.
We request your prayers for those who are targeted for their faith in the country, especially for the vindication of those who are behind bars because of false allegations of forced conversion.
We'd be grateful for your financial support towards defending the fundamental liberties of those who are persecuted. To contribute, please CLICK HERE.
