Pakistan's blasphemy laws still claim many victims

November 21, 2012

A Pakistani appeals court's decision to dismiss blasphemy charges against young Rimsha Masih has won applause from human-rights activists. But the Fides news service reminds readers that Pakistan's draconian blasphemy law has claimed many other victims.

There are 16 people now on death row in Pakistan, facing execution because of blasphemy convictions, Fides notes. Another 20 people are serving life sentences. In most cases, the evidence of blasphemy is questionable at best.

 

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Further information:

• After Rimsha’s case, other 36 cases sentenced either to death or life imprisonment for blasphemy (Fides)
• Pakistani appeals court dismisses blasphemy case against Rimsha Masih (CWN, 11/20)