Scottish Catholic Observer

Pakistani Christians and campaigners worldwide are dismayed by the Lahore High Court’s rejection yesterday of Asia Bibi’s appeal against her death sentence, passed by a lower court.

Bishop Rufin Anthony of Islamabad-Rawalpindi said that the decision was ‘heartbreaking.’

Ms Bibi, a Christian, was convicted under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws in 2010. She allegedly made derogatory comments against Muhammad while arguing with a Muslim woman about drinking water. She has denied the allegations.

Her lawyers intend to submit her case to Pakistan’s Supreme Court within the allotted 30 days.

The Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), an inter-denominational organisation working for persecuted Christians in Pakistan, has assisted and supported her legal defence team.

“I am very disappointed with today’s result and my thoughts and prayers are with Asia’s family,” Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, said. “It is not surprising that the judges were swayed by pressure from local influential Muslims, but I had hoped that justice would prevail and that the case would be judged based on its merits. While the rest of the world condemns such draconian laws, Pakistan continues to persecute its minorities simply because of their religion. I have to now remain hopeful that the Supreme Court judges will look at the case objectively and allow the final appeal, eventually acquitting Asia.”

Amnesty International has denounced the ruling.

“This is a grave injustice,” David Griffiths, Amnesty International’s deputy Asia Pacific director, said. “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.
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.”

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