Pakistan: New court hearing for Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi's lawyers are working on the final "statement of defense" that will be presented at the Lahore High Court on 16 October, a date that – unless there are more surprises - may be the last and decisive hearing of the appeal process for the Christian woman and mother sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy.

Lawyer Naeem Shakir, a member of the defense team, said: "we will try to demonstrate the existence of a conspiracy against this woman, who has endured many challenges during the process and paid, so far, a very high price.. However, Asia has remained and continues to be steadfast in her Christian faith".

The complainant, is Qari Mohammad Salam, imam of a mosque in the village of Ittanwali, in the district of Nankana Sahib in Punjab.

Shakir said, the complaint took place on 19 June, six days after the the alleged act of blasphemy . The complainant's statement is based on hearsay, since the imam was not present when, it is alleged, Asia insulted the Prophet. The complainant did not directly hear any blasphemous expression from the defendant. The entire case is based on the testimony of two sisters who had quarreled with Asia and felt humiliated, this apparently triggered the complaint simply for resentment and revenge".

The lawyer concludes: "I am convinced that we will be able to obtain an acquittal with regards to the false accusation of blasphemy. This will happen if the Court’s decision is based on the principles established in the criminal justice system and whether or not it will be influenced by the pressures of sectarian groups and extremists".

Asia was sentenced to death on 18 November, 2010. Her case has generated a broad debate in the country and in the international community. Two politicians who tried to defend her, declaring his innocence, were killed in Pakistan: the Muslim Salman Taseer, governor of Punjab province, killed on 4 January, 2011, and the Catholic Shabaz Bhatti, then Federal Minister for minorities, who was murdered on 2 March 2011.
The two were urging a review of the blasphemy law.

Several appeal court hearings have been cancelled since Asia was sentenced to death, as several lawyers and court personnel have withdrawn from the case.

To sign a petition to save Asia Bibi see:
www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Asia-Bibi-Petition/154908417886823