Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Christian pastor in Pakistan, who was falsely accused of abduction after his brother eloped with a young woman from an influential Muslim family, is due to appear in court this week.

Pastor Shakeel, who spent three months in prison, told Release that he had been assaulted in jail but that God had used his detention to help other prisoners.

The pastor, from Punjab province, was accused alongside other relatives after his brother fled into hiding with the woman. He was then held by the woman's family and beaten before being handed over to the police. A First Information Report was registered in April and he was arrested.

Pastor Shakeel, who was recently released on bail, is due to appear in court tomorrow.

• Pray that Pastor Shakeel will be acquitted. Pray also for his good health.