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World News

European Parliament rejects motion to debate Christian persecution after Nigerian student murdered

by Alex Collett

After a defeated vote to debate the European Commission's position on Christian persecution, human rights lawyers and MEPs are raising concerns.

The topic is particularly prevalent following the brutal murder of Christian student Deborah Samuel Yabuku in Nigeria last week.

The vote resulted in 231 in support and 244 against.

MEPs shouted "shame on you" in protest; they claim the European Parliament has failed to take action. 

Jean-Paul Van De Walle, Legal Counsel for ADF International in Brussels, said: "Europe should know Deborah Samuel Yakubu's name. 

"This opportunity to speak out against a brutal and unjust murder of an innocent teenage girl - based on a false accusation of 'blasphemy', no less - has been unforgivably lost. 

"Nobody should be persecuted because of their faith, but it seems that EU has turned a blind eye."

Deborah was violently attacked and killed last week after her classmates accused her of insulting the Prophet Muhammed in a WhatsApp classroom discussion group. 

The perpetrators were outraged after Yakubu thanked Jesus for helping her in an exam. 

Reflecting on the European Parliament decision, Margarita de la Pisa MEP tweeted: "What a shame! 

"The European Parliament does not want to take a stand on the murder of the young Nigerian for being a Christian. 

"They do not want to condemn the persecution that Christians are suffering. This is inexcusable!" 
 
On the same day, a married Catholic couple spoke in European Parliament after being rescued  from death row in Pakistan last year.

They were detained on false accusations of blasphemy, and found safe refuge in Europe.  

Shagufta Kauser and Shafqat Emmanuel took to the stand and thanked the people involved in their release.

The EU had passed a resolution on 28th April, ahead of their release from prison, which condemned blasphemy laws, and called attention to their plight

Open Doors says violence towards Christians is increasing in Nigeria and more action needs to be taken.

Ayo Adedoyin, CEO of International Organisation for Peace-building & Social Justice (PSJ UK) for Open Doors told Premier Christian News: "It's still not enough."

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