A Christian reporter arrested for murder while covering a protest in Pakistan has been freed after spending 39 days in jail. On Aug. 19, 2024, Haroon Ilyas Masih, a journalist employed by HUM News, was arrested alongside a Muslim colleague after reporting on a man who set himself on fire to protest the lack of police cooperation over his wife’s abduction.
When the protestor later died from his injuries, both journalists were initially charged with incitement to commit suicide and murder. Although the Muslim reporter was quickly released, Haroon remained imprisoned for more than a month.
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“Normally, during such protests, we expect clashes between the police and protesters or chants for justice,” said Haroon. “But when I arrived, the first thing I saw was a man engulfed in flames, running from the protest area into a public building. In that moment, the only thought I had was to take out my camera and start filming.”
Haroon explained that he and his colleagues had been informed about the demonstration, and the protesters had also notified the media.
“None of us had any idea that he would take such an extreme step,” he said.
The footage Haroon captured was broadcast on all news channels, but he said the police were uncomfortable with it being aired.
The protester, Ubaid Ur Rehman, was overwhelmed with grief and frustration over the police’s failure to find his wife, who had been missing for over six months. In a video, he revealed that his sister had also been abducted before his wife and was never found. Ubaid claimed he paid investigating officers to expedite the search but could no longer meet their demands. Feeling he had no other option, he staged a drastic protest to draw attention to the lack of justice.
After setting himself on fire, Ubaid was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition for a week before succumbing to his injuries.
Following Ubaid’s death, his brother filed a complaint, accusing journalists of encouraging Ubaid to set himself on fire. However, video footage showed Ubaid arguing with the police, stating he was waiting for media coverage. Despite the recorded evidence, Haroon and Muslim journalist Mian M. Shafique were charged with murder. While Shafique was quickly released, Haroon was held for over a month.
Throughout his imprisonment, Haroon’s family and community called for justice and his release.
“Why were reporters expected to stop this act, and not the police?” asked Ikhlaq Masih, Haroon’s uncle. “The Muslim reporter was released by the police the next morning, but Haroon was not, even though both were charged with the same offense. Due to religious bias and lack of social influence, Haroon remained arrested under the heinous charge of murder, while the police tried to shift the blame away from themselves.”
Haroon’s family and community appealed to the courts and law enforcement for his release. After extensive advocacy, prayer, and public attention, Haroon was freed on Sept. 27, 2024.
“It was a traumatic experience,” said Haroon. “I couldn’t believe what was happening to me, and I was deeply worried about my future and that of my family, especially with the murder charges hanging over me.”
Haroon continued to express his innocence, stating he had done nothing illegal, and asked for a fair investigation by higher authorities.
“I prayed constantly, asking God for help, and my family and community prayed for me as well. That’s the reason I’m a free man today. I want to thank everyone who prayed for me, showed concern, and spoke up for us during this difficult time.”
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James Jacob is a writer for Global Christian Relief (GCR), America’s leading watchdog organization focused on the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide. In addition to equipping the Western church to advocate and pray for the persecuted, GCR works in the most restrictive countries to protect and encourage Christians threatened by faith-based discrimination and violence.
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