Pakistan court ordered to halt appeal of Christian woman convicted of blasphemy

June 05, 2014

A Pakistani court that was scheduled to hear the appeal of Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who faces a death sentence on blasphemy charges, has been ordered not to proceed with the case, the Fides news service reports.

After several postponements, the Bibi appeal has disappeared from the docket of the Lahore high court. Lawyers for the accused woman, determined to pursue the appeal and win her release from prison, say they will “do everything in our power so that justice is done.”

Asia Bibi was convicted of insulting the prophet Muhammad in a highly suspect trial, with no clear evidence introduced to support the charges. She has been imprisoned since 2009, with militant Muslims putting heavy pressure on the courts to uphold her conviction and carry out her execution.

 

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Further information:

• Asia Bibi’s appeal process does not start because of "orders" received (Fides)
• Pakistani woman's appeal on blasphemy charge postponed once again (CWN, 4/14)