Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - "The Pakistani authorities must bring to justice those responsible for the killing of the Christian couple accused of blasphemy". This is what Amnesty International says in a note sent to Agenzia Fides, referring to the serious episode in Kasur (see Fides 04/11/2014).
"This murder is just the latest manifestation of violence that anyone can suffer in Pakistan after an accusation of blasphemy, even though religious minorities are disproportionately vulnerable. Those responsible must be brought to justice and the Pakistani authorities must provide necessary protection to all communities", remarked David Griffiths, Deputy Director of Asia-Pacific of Amnesty International. "This type of violence - he continues - is fueled by the repressive blasphemy laws in Pakistan, in addition to the climate of fear for religious minorities. A mere accusation of blasphemy is often enough to put a person or an entire community in danger. In this case, the crowd seems to have acted as judge, jury and executioner".
According to Amnesty, "the blasphemy laws violate the norms of international law and human rights and must be reformed urgently, providing an effective safeguard against their abuse, up to a possible abrogation. The lack of coherence on behalf of the government in dealing with the violence carried out in the name of religion sends the message that one can commit outrageous abuses, justifying them as a defense of religious sentiments". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 05/11/2014)
