INDIA | OCT. 18, 2023 — Pastor and Elders Sentenced Under Anti-Conversion Law
INDIA — Pastor and Elders Sentenced Under Anti-Conversion Law
Pastor Jawahar and his wife
On Dec. 26, 2021, Pastor Jawahar was in his home in Madhya Pradesh state, talking with other members of the church, when Hindu fanatics — including police officers — entered, accusing these Christians of trying to convert Hindus by fraud.
After interrogation and intimidation in the home, the police took Jawahar and two elders to the police station and charged them with coerced conversion under the state’s so-called “Freedom of Religion” law. Pastor Jawahar was jailed for 45 days without due legal process. On July 9 of this year, these three Christian brothers were found guilty in court. They face a sentence of two years of imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees (about $600) each, making this the first successful case brought against Christians in Madhya Pradesh under this anti-conversion law. Advocates for these men have filed appeals. VOM has helped with Pastor Jawahar’s legal expenses and family needs.