Pakistani court again postpones hearing appeal for Christian woman facing death sentence for blasphemy

September 10, 2014

A court in Lahore, Pakistan, adjourned a September 10 hearing on the appeal of Asia Bibi without hearing arguments, and set a new date of October 16 for a final hearing.

Asia Bibi, who was convicted without supporting evidence of the alleged crime, has been in prison since November 2010, living in solitary confinement because of threats against her life. A hearing on her appeal has been repeatedly delayed, and sources in Pakistan report that the courts have been ordered not to hear her case, for fear of provoking a backlash by the militant Muslims who have demanded her execution.

Lawyers for Bibi told the Fides news service that the latest postponement came when opposing lawyers failed to appear for the hearing. In October, they said, the High Court will be obliged to hear the case and make a ruling.

The facts of the case should point toward an overruling of Bibi’s conviction, her lawyers said. “The only fear is possible negative influence or pressure on the judges on the part of the extremists.”

 

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Further information:

• Postponed until October 16 next hearing for the Asia Bibi appeal (Fides)
• Accused woman's supporters urge Pakistani court to end delays on appeal (CWN, 7/3)