Anglican women around the world have been deeply saddened by the item below from Ayra Inderyas of the Church of Pakistan.
As we approach this year's 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November - 10 December) we realise that intolerable human rights violations continue across the world. News from all continents show that these violations are borne particularly by women. Such violations are simply not acceptable and totally disregard all that God calls us to be.
We call on Church, community and political leaders everywhere to speak out about the injustice done to Asia Bibi and insist on laws and practice that bring respect, peace and justice to all people.
We assure Asia Bibi, her family and community of our prayers for peace and strength at this time and for a compassionate and just outcome.
Priscilla Julie
Coordinator, IAWN Steering Group
From Ayra Inderyas -
On November 16, 2010 in Sheikkupura Jail I along with Nighat Hafeez, a lawyer from Shirkat Gah, and Misba Momin, member National Commission on the Status Women (NCSW) met Asia Bibi (37), the Christian woman, who was sentenced to death under section 295 C PPC by Additional Sessions Judge Mr. Muhammad Naveed Iqbal on November 8th, 2010 in Sheikhupura. Following are the findings.
On Asia's account, she was forced by her co-workers women to embrace Islam while she was working on a farm on June 8, 2009 that led to a discussion on religious belief of two communities and following this, hot exchanges taken place between her and Muslim women and after 8 days the complainant Qari (mosque leader) Muhammad Sallam with the witness of three Muslim women lodged a First Information Report (FIR) under blasphemy charges and later she got arrested.
Asia said that she has not met any lawyer in jail and even on the day of her verdict she was not accompanied by any lawyer, she further stated that she was asked to put thumb print on the papers she was not explained about in court. Asia said during the investigation held by SP Muhammad Amin Bokhari she begged pardon as she never knew about blasphemy before.
She has two daughters within the age bracket of 12 to 14 years.
Our team members recommended that:
First, this case should be made as a basis for the repeal of blasphemy laws, second an efficient and renowned lawyer such as Asma Jehangir should take up this case or NCSW can hire a lawyer for her and third through action alert pressure groups, both national and international, be mobilized for pouring in support for the repeal of blasphemy laws.
Note: I request my international friends to please pray for Asia and do whatever they can as international advocacy for the repeal of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and for her immediate release.