Pakistani Muslims demonstrate again in favor of blasphemy laws
January 24, 2011
Thousands of Pakistani Muslims demonstrated in the streets of Peshawar and Faisalbad on January 23 to support the country’s blasphemy laws.
Islamic leaders called for a new round of mass demonstrations despite promises from the nation’s ruling party that the laws would not be amended. The nation’s Muslims have reacted strongly against international pressure to change the laws, which have been exploited as means of intimidating the nation’s Christian minority. Several Islamic leaders have spoken with satisfaction about the assassination of Salman Taseer, the governor of the Punjab state, who was among the most prominent political leaders calling for amendment of the laws.
Meanwhile human-rights advocates report that scores of Christians in Pakistan are embracing Islam in order to avoid violence.
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Further information:
- In Pak, blasphemy law supporters on the streets (NDTV)
- Some Christians in Pakistan convert fear into safety (Star)
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