Russian patriarch calls on Pakistani leader to pardon Asia Bibi

November 06, 2014

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has called upon Pakistan’s president to pardon Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death on blasphemy charges.

“The execution of Asia Bibi would be an irreparable loss for her family, her near and dear, cause a great damage to the Muslim-Christian dialogue and could also aggravate tension between Christians and Muslims both in Pakistan and in the entire world,” Patriarch Kirill of Moscow said in a recent letter to President Mamnoon Hussain.

“I am convinced that political authorities of any modern state should be aware of their responsibility for the destiny of representatives of religious minorities entrusted to them,” he added. “On behalf of all believers of the Russian Orthodox Church, I call [upon] you, Mr. President, to grant a pardon to Asia Bibi.”

 

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Further information:

• Letter of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Requesting to Pardon Asia Bibi (Moscow Patriarchate)
• Christian woman will appeal blasphemy conviction to Pakistan's supreme court (CWN, 10/16)