Call for Justice: Mentally Unstable Prisoner Awaits Acquittal After 23 Years on Death Row


Narowal: Human rights defenders have raised serious concerns over the prolonged imprisonment of Anwar Kenneth, a mentally unstable prisoner who has spent more than 23 years on death row following his conviction under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Despite his fragile mental health, Kenneth has been held in confinement with his legs shackled, sparking serious debates about justice and human dignity. Activists are calling for immediate and adequate psychiatric treatment, as recommended by the medical board, and for expedited legal proceedings to ensure a fair resolution of his appeal currently pending before the Supreme Court.

Anwar Kenneth was accused of sending objectionable letters containing alleged derogatory remarks to religious scholars, ambassadors, and heads of state. As a result, an FIR (No. 251/2001) was lodged at Gawalmandi Police Station, Lahore, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. In 2002, an additional session judge in Lahore sentenced him to death and imposed a fine of 500,000 rupees. Kenneth has remained in prison ever since. In 2014, a two-member bench of the Lahore High Court upheld the trial court's verdict.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Kenneth consistently refused legal assistance, declaring that “God is his counsel.” This refusal left him without an adequate defence, further complicating his right to a fair trial. Despite repeated attempts to appoint state lawyers, five different legal counsels withdrew from the case, citing its sensitive nature.

On January 24, 2023, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court took up Kenneth’s appeal, acknowledged the procedural challenges, and directed the Pakistan Bar Council to arrange legal representation in the interest of justice. In March 2024, following representation by a court-appointed lawyer, the Supreme Court sought input from religious institutions regarding the case.

In December 2024, Kenneth was transferred from Faisalabad Central Jail to Lahore Central Jail for a psychiatric evaluation at the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH), Lahore. A medical board diagnosed him with “Bipolar Affective Disorder, currently Hypomanic” and recommended his immediate admission to PIMH for treatment.

Joseph Jansen, Chairperson of Voice for Justice, emphasized that Kenneth’s case underscores a broader issue concerning the treatment of mentally ill individuals within Pakistan’s criminal justice system, especially in cases involving blasphemy accusations. He criticized the state’s failure to provide proper medical care, calling the prolonged imprisonment both unethical and legally questionable. Jansen stressed the need for urgent reforms to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which have been widely criticized for their misuse and disproportionate impact on religious minorities and individuals with disabilities.

Human rights defender Aneel Edger condemned the blasphemy laws for failing to uphold the principles of legality and the presumption of innocence. He pointed out that Kenneth has remained behind bars for over 23 years despite being mentally unfit to stand trial. Edger called on the Supreme Court to expedite Kenneth’s case and drop all charges against him on the grounds of his mental health condition and psychosocial disability.

Another activist, Anosh Jerry, urged the government to introduce legal reforms ensuring procedural and institutional safeguards at all levels—investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial. He emphasized the need for stronger human rights protections to prevent individuals from being sentenced to death based on their opinions or beliefs. Jerry also called for a more humane approach toward mentally ill prisoners, ensuring their rights to fair trial, medical care, and dignity are upheld.

The case of Anwar Kenneth remains a critical test for Pakistan’s justice system. As human rights activists continue to advocate for his acquittal, the question remains: Will the courts act in time to deliver justice to a man who, after more than two decades in confinement, may not even comprehend the charges against him?