Summary
– The Pakistani Christian has been found guilty of blasphemy by lower courts
– Supreme Court acquitted her after eight year-long trial
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ISLAMABAD/NEW YORK (31 October 2018) – On 31 October 2018, Pakistan’s Supreme Court overturned a death sentence against the Christian mother of five, Asia Bibi. She had been convicted for blasphemy. Kelsey Zorzi, Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom for ADF International and President of the United Nations’ NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief in New York commented today:
“We welcome the decision of the Pakistani Supreme Court to overturn the conviction and death sentence of Asia Bibi. Ms Bibi has been on death row since 2010 after being convicted of blasphemy based on comments she allegedly made related to her Christian faith while drinking water by a well. Blasphemy laws criminalize the exercise of fundamental human rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion or belief.
Blasphemy laws directly violate international law. All people have the right to freely choose, and live out, their faith. We, therefore, urge all governments to uphold this right by ceasing enforcement and initiating repeal of their blasphemy laws.”
