Anwar Kenneth, Mentally Unstable and Death-Convicted for Blasphemy, Awaiting Justice After Years of Legal Delays: Report by Advocate Mushtaq Gill

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Pakistan: LEAD Ministries Pakistan has urgently called on the country’s Apex Court to review the medical report submitted by the Medical Board and take immediate action for the release of Anwar Kenneth, who has been arbitrarily detained for over 20 years. The organization has expressed deep concerns over Kenneth’s prolonged detention on death row, raising significant questions about his mental health and the fairness of his trial.

In a statement, LEAD Ministries emphasized the need for swift action, joining the calls of human rights defenders worldwide. The organization pointed out that Kenneth’s detention, now lasting more than two decades, casts doubt on the legality and humanity of his continued imprisonment. His case, marked by significant legal delays and medical issues, has become a symbol of flaws within Pakistan’s legal and judicial processes, especially in cases related to blasphemy.

Kenneth, a former government official, was arrested in 2001 after being accused of sending offensive letters containing defamatory remarks directed at religious leaders, diplomats, and heads of state. These letters led to the filing of an FIR (No. 251/2001) at the Gawalmandi Police Station in Lahore, eventually resulting in his conviction under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, a controversial law criminalizing blasphemy. On July 18, 2002, the Lahore Additional Sessions Court found Kenneth guilty of “defaming” and “insulting” the Prophet Muhammad, sentencing him to death and imposing a fine of 500,000 Pakistani rupees.

Since his conviction, Kenneth’s case has been plagued by delays and procedural complications, with his appeal process repeatedly postponed. Over the years, his health—both mental and physical—has significantly deteriorated, intensifying concerns over his prolonged incarceration. In 2024, a psychiatric assessment confirmed that Kenneth was suffering from Bipolar Affective Disorder and was in a hypomanic state. A medical committee reviewing his case recommended that he be immediately admitted to the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) for specialized treatment. In December 2024, Kenneth was transferred from Faisalabad Central Jail to Lahore Central Jail for evaluation, underscoring the urgency of his medical condition.

In response to these developments, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has been reviewing Kenneth’s case. On January 24, 2023, a three-judge panel examined his petition, acknowledging the complexity of the legal and procedural issues involved. The panel instructed the Pakistan Bar Council to provide Kenneth with legal counsel to ensure a fair trial. In March 2024, following the appointment of his defense lawyer, the Supreme Court sought input from various religious institutions, further complicating the legal process.

Despite these steps, the lengthy delays have caused ongoing suffering for Kenneth and his family, who have endured emotional hardship for years. His family continues to advocate for his release and the pursuit of justice.

LEAD Ministries has now called on authorities to expedite the review of Kenneth's case and address the serious human rights concerns at play. The organization is urging the Supreme Court to take immediate action to release Kenneth, stressing that continued delays and his deteriorating mental health are unacceptable. Human rights advocates worldwide have rallied behind Kenneth’s cause, demanding a fair and transparent legal process that considers both his medical condition and the irregularities surrounding his trial.

As the legal process continues, the fate of Anwar Kenneth remains uncertain. His case stands as a poignant reminder of the intersection of legal, religious, and human rights challenges in Pakistan.

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