An anti-terrorism court on Wednesday acquitted 39 people accused of lynching two people, Hafiz Babar Noman and Naeem, in the aftermath of a deadly bombing in Lahore’s Youhanabad locality that killed at least 14 churchgoers and injured scores in 2015.
The incident occurred in 2015 when twin suicide bombings outside two churches in Lahore sparked protests in Youhanabad colony. The protests turned violent and two Muslim men identified as Babar Noman, a tailor, and Hafiz Naeem, a glass cutter, were burned to death by an angry mob.
A case was subsequently filed against the mob and police rounded up over 40 suspects and a trial was commenced at the ATC.
All the accused were present before the court today. Special security arrangements were made at the court during their appearance. They appealed to be released as an agreement was signed with the other party. Youhanabad lynching case was registered in Nishtar Colony police station.
At least 42 people were charged with lynching the two men. Two suspects died in jail during the trial.
