Pakistan: Islamic militants beat Pope’s effigy

February 01, 2011

As Pakistani Christians prayed and fasted for peace, some 40,000 Islamic militants took to the streets of Lahore on January 30 to protest against efforts to change the nation’s blasphemy law and against Pope Benedict. Protestors beat Pope Benedict’s effigy with sticks, according to a Pakistani press report.

In November, the Pontiff called for the release of Asia Bibi, the Christian mother sentenced to death after she was accused of blasphemy.

 

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Further information:

• Prayer celebrated for peace in all churches: a sign of hope for Pakistan (Fides)
• Pakistan religious parties protest blasphemy law amendments (Press TV)
• Don’t dare touch blasphemy law (The Nation)