CLAAS plead for Asia’s justice

Supreme Court of Pakistan endorsed the Islamabad High Court decision setting free the juvenile girl Rimsha accused of blasphemy in the capital. This case made the history in blasphemy cases in Pakistan and the decision was appreciated nationally and international grounds.

Four years ago, Asia bibi considered to be “unclean” by some Muslim women. A dispute ensued and her fellow women complained that she blasphemed against the Prophet Muhammad. She was sentenced to death by hanging, has been languishing in a jail ever since. The case has prompted widespread international condemnation but in Pakistan, some of those who publicly called for Asia’s release were murdered like Governor Salmaan Tasee and Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti. Asia’s case has been widely featured in the media reports around the world, scores of victims accused of blasphemy vanish into the shadows without the public hearing of them. Despite the international and domestic uproar, Asia is still in Jail. Farmer President Asif Ali Zardari dropped plans to issue a presidential pardon after hard-line pro-blasphemy groups staged massive demonstrations against the measures.

In the situation CLAAS after careful consideration has plead for Lahore High Court - LHC for Asia’s case. Joseph Francis chief of CLAAS believes that God will soften the hearts of the Judges and they will follow the international norms and justice will prevail. Talking on the telephone, Francis said that Pakistan has the strictest anti-blasphemy laws. Several sections of PPC forbid damaging or defiling a place of worship, outraging religious feelings, defiling the Quran and prophet Muhammad. The accused of blasphemy are frequently threatened or attacked, even before any investigation has been carried out.

Hitting a sensitive nerve, the case has shed light on how the Pakistani government has been taken hostage by militant extremists. Pakistani judges are under pressure from mobs waiting outside their courtrooms, ready to spark riots. Lawyers fear assuming the defense of the accused. Rather than doing what’s right, it’s easier for Pakistani authorities to turn a blind eye.

Releasing Asia would be inflammatory that places Pakistani society at the mercy of religious extremists, would help Pakistan demonstrate that it will not bow down to those who threaten the rule of law through violence and intimidation.