Asia Bibi’s appeal to be heard by Lahore High Court
Lahore, March 15, 2014: After more than four years in prison, Lahore High Court judges
will hear Asia Bibi's appeal on March 17. The Pakistani Christian was sentenced to
death without trial on the basis of the notorious "blasphemy law". A mother of five,
Asia Bibi was arrested in 2009 on charges of insulting Muhammad and then sentenced
to death. The international community, the Catholic Church and several human rights
organizations vigorously protested against this decision, which will now be analyzed
by the Lahore High Court.
The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement
- a group that provides legal assistance to members of minorities in Pakistan and
also Asia Bibi - confirms the appeal. The director of the Pakistani branch, Joseph
Francis, states that he is hopeful that if there is no pressure on the judges by the
extremists and the case is handled with care, consideration, and due diligence with
the judges being left free to take their decision, her conviction will be overturned.
Nasir
Saeed, from the British section, is less positive. He says that it is "not going
to be easy" for the judges as it is a very high profile case and the whole world will
be watching. He adds: "I pray that God will fill the hearts of the judges with boldness
and courage and not allow fear to rule. I also hope that they follow the international
norms and keep only justice in the forefront when reaching a decision".
The
Christian mother of five children, was sentenced to death in November 2010 based on
the "black law" and has been awaiting the outcome of her appeal since then, locked
in solitary confinement in a women's prison in Sheikhupura (Punjab). Many figures
have campaigned for her release including the governor of Punjab Salman Taseer and
Shahbaz Bhatti, Minister for Religious Minorities: both were murdered at the hands
of Islamic extremists. The Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI also launched an appeal for
Asia Bibi's release, as the woman has physically and morally suffered in her long
imprisonment.
The High Court will have to rule on the "crime" committed by
Asia Bibi, that of drinking a glass of water from a well owned by a Muslim. She was
accused of "infecting" the source which led to an argument with other women, and,
finally, the charge of having "insulted the prophet Muhammad". (Source: AsiaNews)