Activists ask Pakistan to drop death penalty from blasphemy law

March 07, 2013

Human-rights activists in Pakistan are petitioning for the removal of the death penalty in the country’s law against blasphemy.

The Asian Human Rights Commissions, with support from other human-rights groups, is also asking the government to drop blasphemy charges against Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the UN. Like other politicians who have dared to suggest amendments to the draconian law, Rehman now faces criminal charges.

Critics of the Pakistani law say that blasphemy charges are often false, and that criminal complaints are filed as a means of settling personal or political scores.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Petition to remove the death penalty under the law of blasphemy (Fides)