Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian mother charged with blasphemy, has been sentenced to death by the Pakistani High Court. Bibi’s appeal has postponed by the court at least five times before the death penalty was confirmed by the court today (Oct. 16).
Bibi was originally accused of speaking against the prophet Muhammad in 2009, an accusation she denied. Following the accusation, Bibi was sentenced to death by hanging in 2010.
Nasir Saeed, director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), the organization that has represented Bibi said, “I am very disappointed with today’s result and my thoughts and prayers are with Asia’s family. 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.”
Bibi’s attorneys will submit a final appeal against the ruling to the Pakistani Supreme Court within 30 days.
“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,” Saeed said.
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