Rapper Bobby battles bid to send him back to Pakistan

Apr 13 2008 By James Hastings

Exclusive Bobby Battles Bid To Send Him Back To Pakistan

A RAPPER forced to flee Pakistan after flashing a Christian cross tattoo in a music video is fighting to stay in Scotland.

Bobby Najraan warned yesterday his entire family will be killed by Islamic extremists if they are forced to go back to Lahore.

He fled in December after a mob stormed his family home and threatened to slit his throat and kill his wife Neera and their children - Yascah, seven; Ashbeel, five; and 18-month-old Ashan.

Devout Catholic Bobby, 34, said: "They accused me of preaching Christianity and being against Muslims and said they would make an example of me.

"They said the fake tattoo cross I had on my arm was an insult to Islam.

"Young people in Pakistan love my music and they accused me of trying to convert them. It's nonsense. I am a Christian and I always wear a cross on me. It is just part of who I am."

Terrified Bobby and his family fled to Glasgow - the only UK destination available the day they left Pakistan - and have settled in Dennistoun.

His parish priest Father Willie Moran said: "Bobby and his family have suffered terribly for their faith. We are all praying they are allowed to stay in Glasgow."

Human rights groups report an upsurge in violence towards Pakistan's Christians.

Bobby has lost his asylum bid but plans to appeal.

He said: "If I return we will all be killed. My father was harassed after I fled and warned if I came home I'd be a dead man."

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