Asia Bibi’s appeal to be heard by Pakistani supreme court next week

October 07, 2016

Pakistan’s highest court will hear an appeal of the death sentence of Asia Bibi on October 13.

Asia Bibi, a Christian wife and mother, was arrested in June 2009 on charges of blasphemy against Islam. Although there was no substantial evidence to support the charge—and her supporters said that she was denounced because of the personal animosity of neighbors—she was convicted and sentenced to death. She has been living in prison since her conviction in 2009.

Despite international outcries against the verdict, an appeals court upheld the death sentence in 2014. But last year the Pakistani supreme court agreed to a stay of execution and a new hearing of the case.

Islamic militants have put heavy pressure on the courts at lower levels to uphold Bibi’s conviction. Some Muslim militants have vowed to kill the woman if she is released.

 

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Further information:

• Supreme Court hearing for Asia Bibi (Fides)
• Supreme Court to hear Asia Bibi case on 13 October (Vatican Insider)
• Pakistan: Islamic radicals demand execution of Asia Bibi