In October 2012, Ryan Stanton faced accusations of sending text messages against the Prophet of Islam. Subsequently, an FIR was filed against him at the local police station in Karachi, under section 295-C (which carries a mandatory death sentence).
A Tale of Courage and Compassion
We took the risk of rescuing him and provided him shelter in a safe place while we decided whether to defend him in court or help him leave Pakistan. As an organization, it was a tough decision. However, after discussing it with his parents, we decided to assist him in leaving Pakistan. Surrendering or sending him to jail would likely have resulted in a death sentence, or worse, as we had seen in the case of Qamar David.
Farrukh Saif and Keith Davies promptly decided to relocate him. Some members of our organization had been pressuring us to have him arrested for publicity, but back in 2009 when Farrukh Saif envisioned starting his organization, his goal was to aid the persecuted Church, not seek self-promotion.
Our work for the persecuted community had already been blessed by God, and we didn’t need to gain publicity by ruining someone’s life or having them arrested. Just three days before this discussion, on January 28, 2013, our efforts led to the acquittal of Barkat Masih from blasphemy charges.
Our lawyers worked tirelessly to secure his release through the High Court after he had initially been sentenced to death. This was one of our foundation’s most significant achievements.
Saving lives is both challenging and rewarding, and we believe that God is using us to protect the persecuted Christian community in Pakistan. On January 30, 2013, Farrukh Saif personally accompanied Ryan to ensure his safety. God grants him the courage and strength to continue helping his people.
Now that Ryan is out of immediate danger and registered with UNHCR as an asylum seeker, our responsibilities in this matter will conclude. However, we supported him during his stay in Sri Lanka, and in 2015, he resettled in the USA
Farrukh Saif’s Risky Journey: Saving a Blasphemy Accused from Pakistan’s Clutches
Hiding someone accused of blasphemy in Pakistan was both dangerous and challenging. However, Farrukh Saif sheltered the individual in his own house until a plan to relocate him to a safe haven could be implemented. The most challenging aspect was getting him out of Pakistan, especially considering that his name was on the Exit Control List. This made the process difficult, with constant pressure from the team in Pakistan.
Farrukh Saif made the courageous decision not to endanger Ryan’s life further and instead put himself at risk. He undertook the journey, and crossing through immigration posed the greatest danger. However, Farrukh had meticulously prepared everything in advance and successfully navigated the immigration process.
