ASIA/PAKISTAN - Asia Bibi’s sentence damages tolerance in Pakistan

Friday, 24 October 2014

Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "Tolerance and forgiveness are two important values, which are present not only in Christianity but also in Islam, and in other religions in the world. We are working hard for religious harmony in Pakistan and in spreading a message of peace and tolerance. Many prominent Muslim scholars are by our side. The judgment confirming the death penalty for Asia Bibi also damages the path we are taking and the work we are doing, in harmony with Muslim leaders". This is the opinion expressed to Fides Agency by Fr. Francis Nadeem OFM Cap, Provincial Superior of the Capuchins in Pakistan and founder of the Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Lahore.
The friar said: "We totally disagree with the confirmation of the death penalty. It is a very painful and disappointing thing. The court has not proven true justice, because Asia never committed blasphemy. The trial is based on the testimony of two women (two sisters), but there is something else behind the allegations, the trial is the result of a conspiracy", concludes Fr. Naddem. The Franciscans of Pakistan will continue to pray for Asia Bibi and all the innocent victims of the misuse of the blasphemy law. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2014)


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