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Pakistani Christians Close Schools To Protest Muslim Mob Attack


Anzila Semeul cries while sitting with her daughter in front of their home, after it was burnt by a mob on March 9, in Lahore on March 11.
Anzila Semeul cries while sitting with her daughter in front of their home, after it was burnt by a mob on March 9, in Lahore on March 11.
Dozens of Christian schools in Pakistan have been closed to protest an attack by a Muslim mob last week.

Around 3,000 rioters attacked a Christian neighborhood in the eastern city of Lahore, burning almost 200 homes and shops.

Paul Bhatti, an adviser to the prime minister, was quoted by the dpa news agency as saying the schools will remain closed until March 12.

The riots were sparked after a Christian man was accused of making blasphemous remarks about Islam's Prophet Muhammad, a crime punishable by death in Pakistan.

Police have so far arrested some 150 people in connection with the attacks.

On March 10, Christians held rallies in cities across Pakistan demanding greater government protection and better compensation.

Police said around 100 demonstrators were arrested after some began damaging public property.

Based on reporting by dpa and AFP
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