Pakistan: Court rejects Asia Bibi's appeal, upholds death sentence

Asia Bibi

The Lahore High Court rejected an appeal and confirmed Asia Bibi's death sentence on Thursday morning. During the four hour morning hearing, before a panel chaired by Judge Anwar ul Haq, the defense submitted its written arguments that demolish the prosecution framework, exposing the witnesses lack of credibility and the obvious false accusations.

Defence lawyer Naeem Shakir said: "The judge held the allegations of the two Muslim women, who witnessed the alleged blasphemy committed by Asia, valid and credible."

Shakir expressed his bitterness and disappointment. "Justice is increasingly in the hands of the extremists", he added, announcing that, in agreement with Asia’s husband, they will now resort to the Supreme Court, the third and final level of justice in Pakistan.

Amnesty International has denounced the ruling. “This is a grave injustice. Asia Bibi should never have been convicted in the first place – still less sentenced to death – and the fact that she could pay with her life for an argument is sickening,” said David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia Pacific Director.

“There were serious concerns about the fairness of Asia Bibi’s trial, and her mental and physical health has reportedly deteriorated badly during the years she has spent in almost total isolation on death row. She should be released immediately and the conviction should be quashed.”

On 4 January 2011, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer was killed by one of his security guards after campaigning for Asia Bibi and criticizing Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, an outspoken critic of the blasphemy laws, was killed by the Pakistani Taliban on 2 March 2011.

“The laws are often used to settle personal vendettas – both against members of minority religious groups and Muslims – while individuals facing charges are frequently targeted in mob violence. Those who speak out against the laws face terrible reprisals. However, the blasphemy laws violate international law and must be repealed or reformed immediately to meet international standards,” said David Griffiths.

Source: Fides/Amnesty International

See also: Pakistan: ICN 11 November 2011 Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=17099