Pakistani court affirms Christian woman's death sentence for blasphemy

October 16, 2014

An appeals court in Pakistan has upheld the conviction of Asia Bibi, the young Christian woman sentenced to death on blasphemy charges.

After repeatedly postponing hearings in the case, the High Court ruled that Bibi had been rightly convicted of blaspheming Islam. Her lawyers have said that they will appeal to Pakistan’s supreme court.

The November 2010 conviction of Asia Bibi, a young wife and mother, drew international attention because of the scant evidence of any offense and the severe penalty imposed on a young mother. Human-rights activists have noted that Pakistan’s law against blasphemy is easily abused, leaving religious minorities vulnerable to false accusations.

Two prominent Pakistani political leaders—Salman Taseer, a Muslim state governor, and Shahbazz Bhatti, a Catholic cabinet minister—were killed after they voiced their concern about the blasphemy law and the conviction of Asia Bibi.

Since her conviction, Asia Bibi has been jailed, mostly in solitary confinement because of concerns about her safety, due to threats by Muslim militants. The pressure from Islamic extremists is widely believed to be the reason why courts have delayed hearings in the case.

Bishop Rufin Anthony of Islamabad said that the High Court decision to uphold the death penalty in the case was “heartbreaking.” He called for prayers for the woman and for a just resolution of her case.

 

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Further information:

• Asia Bibi's sentence is heart breaking, may the world pray for her, says Islamabad bishop (AsiaNews)
• Pakistani court again postpones hearing appeal for Christian woman facing death sentence for blasphemy (CWN, 9/10)