Authorities in Pakistan are promising 2 million rupees ($6,800) in compensation for each of nearly 100 impoverished Christians who lost their homes when a Muslim mob, angered over the alleged desecration of the Koran, stormed their neighborhoods, burning at least 19 churches and damaging houses, officials said on August 21. Police said they have arrested dozens more rioters in ongoing raids, bringing the total number of detainees to 160. The violence drew nationwide condemnation, with caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar ordering the arrest of all those linked to the rioting. To read the original story by AP, click here.
Pakistan To Compensate Christians Who Lost Homes In Rioting
Pastor Javed Bhatti weeps beside his burned house in a Christian neighborhood in Jaranwala on August 17, a day after an attack by Muslim men following allegations that Christians had desecrated the Koran.