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World News

Pakistan High Court rejects Asia Bibi death sentence appeal

At the High Court this morning, before the bench of Mr Justice Anwar Ul Haq and Mr Justice Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, around 25 mullahs were present to apply pressure and to push for the sentence, which was originally passed in 2010, to be upheld.

The case was adjourned for more than an hour while the judges rose to consider their decision, stating that they needed time to look at the situation.

Many Christian lawyers, including Tahir Khalil Sindhu, provincial minister for minorities affairs and human rights, were present to defend Asia Bibi.

After hearing both sides, the court confirmed that the death sentence would stand.

The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), an interdenominational organisation working for Christians who are being persecuted because of their faith in Pakistan, told Premier it now intends to submit a final appeal to the Supreme Court within the allotted 30 days, but that this process could last a number of years.

Asia's is the second appeal against a blasphemy law death sentence to reach the Supreme Court.

The other case was that of Ayub Masih, who was also facing the death sentence but was acquitted on August 15th, 2002.

Nasir Saeed, director at CLAAS UK, said: "I am very disappointed with today's result and my thoughts and prayers are with Asia's family. It is not surprising that the judges were swayed by pressure from local influential Muslims, but I had hoped that justice would prevail and that the case would be judged based on its merits.

"While the rest of the world condemns such draconian laws, Pakistan continues to persecute its minorities simply because of their religion.

"I have to now remain hopeful that the Supreme Court judges will look at the case objectively and allow the final appeal, eventually acquitting Asia."

Though no one has yet been executed for blasphemy in Pakistan, the accused often remain imprisoned for extensive periods while their cases are being processed.

Wilson Chowdhry, chair of the British Pakistani Christian Association, is encouraging believers to pray for Asia.

He said: "She needs prayer for herself, her strength, her fortitude through this difficult period.

"Also we need to pray for her children. They have been without their mother for coming up to five years and her husband too.

"Being brought up with the fear of her death and not knowing what their future is going to be must be an immense pressure."

Hear Nasir Saeed speaking on Premier's News Hour

Listen to Wilson Chowdhry here:

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