Blasphemy – Report on Global Laws Against Blasphemy & Harsh Penalties – Woman’s Blasphemy Case Ordeal in Pakistan Continues
Author: WUNRN
Date: September 8, 2017
Direct Link to Full 152-Page 2017 World Blasphemy Laws Report: http://www.uscirf.gov/sites/
https://appgfreedomofreligionorbelief.org/respecting-rights-measuring-worlds-blasphemy-laws-report/
Also Via Human Rights Without Frontiers
World Watch Monitor
Over a third of the world’s countries have blasphemy laws that violate at least one internationally recognised human rights principle, according to a new report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
Most blasphemy laws are “embedded in criminal codes” and are “vaguely worded”, with “unduly harsh penalties for violators”. Of the 71 countries with blasphemy laws, 86% prescribe imprisonment for convicted offenders, while some, like Pakistan and Iran, even prescribe the death penalty.
Over a third of the world’s countries have blasphemy laws that violate at least one internationally recognised human rights principle, according to a new report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).
USCRIF notes that all five of the nations that “deviate the most from human rights principles” – Iran, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Qatar – have an official state religion.
In Muslim countries like Pakistan, which is perhaps the most notorious for its blasphemy laws, Christians are often the subject of the accusations – disproportionately so compared to their population size. For example, Pakistani Christians make up only 1.5 per cent of the total population, but over a quarter (187) of the 702 blasphemy cases registered between 1990 and 2014 were against Christians, noted Pakistani newspaper Dawn in 2015.
Several Christian neighbourhoods in Pakistan have been attacked and set on fire following blasphemy accusations against Christians: in 2009, seven people died after an arson attack on a Christian neighbourhood in Gojra; then in 2013 a mob set fire to more than 100 Christian homes in Lahore’s Joseph Colony.
Recently, several blasphemy cases have been registered against Christians related to their actions on social media. For example, in September 2016, a 16-year-old Christian boy was accused of blasphemy after “liking” and sharing a post on Facebook which “defamed and disrespected” the Kaaba in Mecca, the building at the centre of Islam’s most sacred mosque. He has since twice been refused bail, despite his lawyers’ insistence that, as a child with no prior convictions, he should be released………
______________________________________________________________________________________________
From: WUNRN LISTSERVE [mailto:wunrn1@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 10, 2017 4:34 PM
To: WUNRN ListServe (wunrn_listserve@lists.wunrn.com) <wunrn_listserve@lists.wunrn.com>
Subject: Pakistan – Blasphemy – Landmark Judgment But Asia Bibi Still on Death Row in Prison & Denied Early Appeal
Pakistan-Blasphemy-Landmark Judgement, But Asia Bibi Still on Death Row in Prison & Denied Early Appeal
A Christian woman’s seven-year alleged blasphemy ordeal on death row has been extended after a court dismissed an appeal for a new hearing.
By KATIE MANSFIELD – May 6, 2017
Asia Bibi’s death row ordeal has been extended
Asia Bibi, who has been on death row since 2010, was accused of making derogatory comments about the Prophet Mohammed during an argument with a Muslim woman over a glass of water.
Campaigners have called for the mother-of-two to be hanged as her case continues to be held up in Pakistan’s courts.
Mrs Bibi’s attorney Saiful Malook says Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar declined his client’s request for an early appeal hearing sparking fears for the Christian’s life.
If the Supreme Court upholds Mrs Bibi’s conviction her only chance at survival is to appeal to Pakistan’s president for clemency.
Mr Malook said: “I have been informed that the plea was declined by the CJP.”
The mother of five, also known as Aasiya Noreen, will become the first woman in Pakistan to be lawfully executed for blasphemy if the death penalty is carried out. AFP
Mrs Bibi’s case has gone around the world
More than 600,000 people have signed a petition called for Mrs Bibi to be released.
Her hearing has been delayed at least seven times in the last two years.
Joseph Nadeem, executive director of the Renaissance Education Foundation, told the Asia-based Catholic news outlet ucanews.com: “This is very unfortunate. Her husband became quiet when he heard the latest developments.
“We shall again apply for the hearing and keep struggling for justice.
“There are many factors at work behind the slow pace of judiciary. Her case has been in the doldrums due to huge pressure.
“There will be a strong reaction if Bibi is freed, opposing groups have made it a matter of honour and ego.”
Critics of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws say they have long been used by individuals and religious groups to settle disputes.
Lawyer Naeem Shakir told ucanews.com: “Such atrocities have become routine. The plight of Bibi has had a dampening effect on minorities.
“Their grief cannot be addressed because of religious retrogressive and extremist groups. Islamists consider her freedom a defeat for their movement.”
Categories: Releases, Slider Featured
