A/56/253 59. On 10 January 2001, the police are said to have violently attacked a peaceful protest against blasphemy laws in force in Pakistan organized by the All-Faiths Spiritual Movement. 60. Pakistan replied: “The Government of Pakistan has the honour to state that at 4.00 p.m. on 10 January 2001 as the procession of about 1,000 persons demanding the abolishment of Blasphemy Law headed by Father Arnold Heredia reached near Regal Chowk, the mob started throwing stones at the police who were deputed there to deal with any unpleasant situation. The police had resorted to some administrative measures to restore law and order. During this process Father Arnold Heredia received a minor head injury. Two police officials were also hurt due to stone-throwing by the protesters. Father Arnold Heredia and 17 others were arrested at 5.30 p.m. by Preedy Police Station, Saddar, Karachi, on 10 January 2001. The detainees were charged with violating the following sections of the Pakistan penal code: section 147, rioting; section 148, rioting with deadly weapons; section 149, unlawful assembly; section 151, violation of orders to disperse; section 152, obstruction of a public servant; section 352, assault or use of criminal force on a public servant; section 324, attempt to murder; and section 337 H, (a) hurt to others by rash or negligent act; and (b) rash or negligent act to endanger human life or personal safety of others. Due process of law is already under way. The case awaits decision by the Court.” 61. The Special Rapporteur thanks Pakistan in advance for communicating to him the forthcoming court rulings on the above-mentioned cases. 62. On 1 April 2001, a Christian, Parvez Masih, was falsely accused of blasphemy. Muslim extremists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Sipah-e-Sihaba groups are said to have threatened with reprisals anyone challenging the false accusations of blasphemy. Republic of Korea 63. It is reported that 1,505 Jehovah’s Witnesses are being held in 37 of the country’s prisons because of their conscientious objection to military service. Most of them have reportedly been sentenced to three years imprisonment. It is said that this is due to the fact that there is no legal provision establishing civilian service as an alternative for conscientious objectors. Saint Lucia 64. On New Year’s Eve, two men reportedly burst into the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception during morning mass, beat the worshippers, poured petrol on them and set them alight, killing one nun and causing 12 people, including a priest, to be hospitalized. It is reported that the police arrested the two perpetrators, who claimed to be Rastafarian “prophets” whose mission it was to fight corruption within the Catholic church. This attack apparently exacerbated tension between Catholics and Rastafarians. 17