Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "We make a heartfelt appeal to the Holy Father, asking him to pray, intercede, speak out in favor of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was wrongly sentenced to death for blasphemy. We ask that she is granted pardon and released. We urge the international community to raise their voice, to lobby and work on all levels for the sake of this woman who is innocent. We say to all the mothers in Pakistan: Asia is a mom like you. Defend her, do not let her children become orphans. "This is what Fides has been told by Bishop Bernard Shaw, OFM, Auxiliary Bishop of Lahore, the diocese where the case of Asia Bibi is registered. Asia is the first female Pakistani Christian to be sentenced to death for blasphemy.
The bishop has high hopes for the movement of public opinion and civil society in Pakistan, "where there are Muslim and Christian organizations working for peace and harmony, to combat religious fanaticism, to defuse the polarization between different communities."
What is contained in the case against Asia Bini is "a real affront to human dignity and truth. We will do everything in our power to have the case closed and the verdict overturned on appeal in the High Court of Lahore," Fides was told by Peter Jacob, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Justice and Peace, indicating at least five other cases, in the last two months alone, of false accusations of blasphemy and of violation of human rights.
Bishop Joseph Coutts, Vice-President of the Bishops' Conference and leader in the campaign for the abolition of the measure, has addressed the problems created in Pakistani society by the blasphemy laws, announcing the commitment of the Church in Pakistan “to support Asia Bibi's family and all families affected by this unjust law.” “The danger - the bishop tells Fides - is the misuse of this law. In calling for its abolition, we are not endorsing those who desecrate the name of the Prophet. But, we deplore what occurs in its enforcement: any excuse is good if you want to take down an opponent or an enemy, just accuse him of blasphemy.” The law lends itself to such abuse because the only proof required for accusation is a witness or a statement. "And oftentimes it is seen that the accusations are completely false," he remarks.
The bishop continues: "The Church calls for its abolition, but in Parliament it is unlikely that this can happen, as it would mean pushing a button that raises strong emotions. The Muslim religious leaders say the law is to protect the honor of the Prophet. The government should at least make serious steps to prevent and control the proliferation of false accusations, which often affect Christians, and even Muslim citizens. Politicians, however, suffer from the pressures of radical Islamic groups and this happens at a local level, as well, with authorities and police. So, the situation is deadlocked." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2010)
