There is more than a shadow on the case of Asia Bibi, a 40-year old Christian woman, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy. Asia was judged by a court "under the obvious pressure of Islamic extremists", and "for personal vendetta". In addition there is an obvious procedural irregularity: during the investigations and preliminary interrogations, conducted by the police after the complaint, Asia did not have a lawyer: for this reason the whole trial could be invalidated. This is what is stated in a note sent to Fides by the influential Muslim study Centre "Jinnah Institute" in Karachi.
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The note by the "Jinnah Institute" on Asia Bibi brings attention to the case of the woman who for over a year languishes in the prisons in Sheikhupura in Punjab. Even Pope Benedict XVI launched an appeal for her release in November 2010. . . The Jinnah Institute reports that from the outset, Asia Bibi’s court case was marred by irregularities and manipulations. The "National Commission on the Status of Women", after a meeting with Asia Bibi in jail, found that "only 8 days after the alleged incident - in which Asia pronounced blasphemous sentences - Qari Muhammad Salim, a local Muslim religious leader, using three women as witnesses, was able to register an official First Information Report FIR on the basis of which Asia was arrested". During the 8 days allegations against Asia had been orchestrated. These suspicious circumstances - note the Jinnah Institute - are described in the Report written by Shabhaz Bhatti and Salman Taseer and delivered to the President of Pakistan, Ali Zardari. The Report highlights that "the judge sentenced her due to pressures by Islamic extremists, ignoring the true facts".
Read the full report at this link.
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| Asia Bibi, sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy. |
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