Pakistan: Blasphemy death sentence woman may get pardon

23 Nov 10 | Index Index, minipost

Hopes have been raised that Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christain sentenced to death in Punjab for blasphemy, may soon be pardoned. The minorities minister said he was optimistic about her release and the local governor said he put forth a petition to President Zardari. Yet, even if Bibi receives a pardon after 18 months in prison, the blasphemy law will likely be retained. Critics claim the law is used to terrorise Pakistan’s minorities. In this case, Muslim women refused to drink water brought by an “unclean” Christian before an altercation took place

Pakistan: Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy

10 Nov 10 | Index Index, minipost

Asia Bibi, a Christian mother-of-five, has been sentenced to death for blasphemy. Bibi is accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammad during an argument with a group of Muslim women. She has denied the charges and has told investigators that she is being persecuted because of her faith. It is thought she will now appeal in a local court in Sheikhupura, near Lahore. No one has ever been executed under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, most of those convicted are freed on appeal, although 10 defendants are thought to have been murdered whilst on trial.