The other side of grief - Asia’s appeal deferred again

After three years, Asia’s children would be hoping to see her mother at home as her case was fixed for hearing before a division bench. Asia Bibi’s appeal was taken up at the Lahore High Court - LHC praying that the conviction for blasphemy was inconsistent with the evidence. The court may reduce her sentence, if do not grant acquittal altogether. Judges are reluctant to use their powers to take up Asia’s case on a priority basis due to its controversial. Asia Bibi was charged of insulting Muhammad and then sentenced to death. My heart aches and aches and I found myself crying almost the entire time, even though I never had a chance to know her. The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement CLAAS claimed to provide legal aid and assistance to members of Asia Bibi.

Beside the truth that LHC deferred the way it is in addition to we should instead look into the subject in particular publishing the particular request prior to the courtroom in addition to currently being introduced it publically.

I think; we should be profoundly concerned about the security of Asia Bibi and her family instead taking credit. I wrote and went to Lahore for the proceeding of the case because after three years this case is taken up again. As I was on the way and I came to know that it was deferred but I went to see her family. There I met her husband Aashiq Masih, who was disheartened. Earlier we planned to follow the case secretly but observing the law and order situation in the country, we didn’t take up an application. When we know that Asia’s case is sensitive and in this situation we are not worthy to take credits. Asia, 45, has been in the jail since June, 2009. Yasin Badar, advocate CLAAS stated that judges must be under some pressure because there was no other reason why the hearing could be cancelled twice. He said the judge hearing her appeal went on a leave on the last hearing.

It is very obvious that judges are under pressure, when Governor Salaman Taseer and Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti were assassinated, there is no other reason to it. Talking on the phone Joseph Francis chief of CLAAS claimed that he is supporting Asia’s family. While Aashiq Masih (Asia’s husband) denies his statement and said CLAAS has never helped his family in this regard since she is arrested. CLAAS accumulate funds on her name but not working for Asia, he added.

CLAAS has reportedly con Sawan case as well. There are several loopholes in the prosecution’s case, including her extrajudicial confession, inconsistencies in the testimony of prosecution witness and procedural lapses, said her attorney. In this situation if the case is taken up sensibly it will won acquittal.