Pakistani bishops take quiet approach to appeal of Asia Bibi conviction
July 20, 2012
While international pressure is growing for the release of Asia Bibi—the Christian woman who faces a death sentence in Pakistan after conviction on a highly questionable blasphemy charge—Church officials in Pakistan are giving the case a low profile, apparently fearful of rousing new threats from Islamic extremists.
After the young mother of 5 children was arrested, an charges that neighbors said were groundless, Islamic leaders demanded her death. Although her conviction has been appealed, Muslim extremists have vowed to kill Asia Bibi if she is ever released from prison.
With the woman’s life already in danger, Church officials are hoping to deflect attention from her case, even as international activists rally world opinion to press for her release. “Instead of making noises, we would prefer to keep quiet and wait for the high court to hear her appeal,” said Father Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, a spokesman for the Pakistani bishops.
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Further information:
- International Clamor for Asia Bibi’s Release Grows (National Catholic Register)
- Acquittal would not end danger for Pakistani woman condemned for blasphemy (CWN, 1/25)
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Jul. 21, 2012 4:06 PM ET USA
The Church in Pakistan knows exactly who they are dealing with,a bunch of wild-eyed incendiary Islamists who will murder and pillage in a moment's time. The clergy are martyrs-in-waiting.
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Posted by: Defender -
Jul. 20, 2012 2:36 PM ET USA
Silence is not golden in this case. In fact it's quite possible that the mother of five might become a marytr while the Church stands idly by.
