Blasphemy convict’s fate hangs in balance

Jan 08, 2011 |

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Jan. 7: The fate of Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan, seems uncertain following the assassination of liberal governor Salman Taseer who was her main supporter.

President Asif Ali Zardari had deferred the capital punishment to Aasia Bibi, a 45-year-old Christian woman condemned to death by the district and sessions court of Sheikhupura on November 9, 2010, for committing blasphemy, after calls from the human rights organisations.

“The government may have to review its decision after the assassination of Salman Taseer (who advocated for her release),” a government official said requesting anonymity.

He added, “This is a hot topic apart from the political crises. They (the government) have to take some action to avoid another incident like this (Taseer’s assassination)”.

On Tuesday, Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri, a member of the Punjab police Elite Force, sprayed bullets on Taseer when he was about to get into his car.

He surrendered to the authorities immediately after shooting at the governor saying he killed Taseer for terming the blasphemy laws as black law and vigorously seeking a presidential pardon for Aasia Bibi.

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