Accused woman's supporters urge Pakistani court to end delays on appeal
July 03, 2014
Supporters of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani woman facing a death sentence on blasphemy charges, have demanded that the courts hear her appeal, after a series of unexplained delays.
Asia Bibi, who was convicted without supporting evidence of the alleged crime, has been in prison since November 2010, living in solitary confinement because of threats against her life. A hearing on her appeal has been repeatedly delayed, and sources in Pakistan report that the courts have been ordered not to hear her case, for fear of provoking a backlash by the militant Muslims who have demanded her execution.
Meanwhile the physical and emotional health of the young mother is deteriorating, the AsiaNews service reports. Her supporters have issued a new petition for a prompt hearing on her case.
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Further information:
- As Asia Bibi's health worsens, Christian and Muslim activists call for her release (AsiaNews)
- Pakistan court ordered to halt appeal of Christian woman convicted of blasphemy (CWN, 6/5)
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