The death sentence for blasphemy against the Christian Asia Bibi is lifted after eight years. As the verdict in Pakistan, the impact is not yet foreseeable. On the streets of Islamabad, there are protests.
“The judgment proves that the poor, minorities and those at the bottom of the society, in spite of the ills in this country justice. It is the biggest and happiest day of my life” – Asia Bibi’s lawyer, Saiful Mulook, in an Interview with the AFP news Agency facilitates.
Asia Bibi was arrested in June 2009; their neighbors had complained that she had made derogatory remarks against the prophet Mohammed. A year later, the Christian, was condemned, in spite of fierce resistance from Pakistani and international human rights groups, according to the current blasphemy laws to the death. 2014, a court in Lahore confirmed the death sentence. In July 2015, the execution was temporarily suspended. The Supreme court in Pakistan overturned the rulings of two lower courts.
In case of doubt, for the accused
After the last hearing, about three weeks ago, attorney Mulook Deutsche Welle said he believes his client will be dismissed if the procedure is based on the basic questions. “The incident happened on 14. In June 2009, but was only at 19. June. The principle of ‘in doubt, for the accused’ was not observed. Legally speaking, it is a weak case.”
Asia Bibi’s Lawyer, Saiful Mulook
So also the Supreme judge Saqip Nisar argued in the judgment: “The plaintiffs have categorically failed to prove the case of alleged blasphemy in a way that is beyond reproach.” Precisely this proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, was of “fundamental importance” in the criminal justice system, because in order to ensure that no one is innocent.
Rights activists and civil society groups praised the judge. “It is a historic decision that will help to strengthen the harmony between the religions,” said Ayub Malik, a political Analyst in Islamabad, the DW. “The acquittal shows that most cases of blasphemy in Pakistan are freely invented.”
Supporters of the Islamist party, Tehreek-e-and excellence block a Protest in a main road in Islamabad
Also Farzana Bari, an activist in Islamabad, is of far-reaching importance of the judgment is convinced: “It is a milestone. The judges and lawyers have shown great courage.” But it is only now that the government is going to really put to the test, as they will now get the reactions of extremists. “The authorities must protect the lives and property of Christians,” calls Bari.
Hardliners will react sharply
The government has reinforced the security forces in the capital, Islamabad, after Islamists had warned the authorities before the consequences of the judgment of annulment. The military, the Parliament building and guarded the courts in the capital Islamabad after thousands of Protesters had blocked roads and government facilities have been looted. According to local media, the Islamist activists also gathered in other major cities, to protest against the decision of the court.
Opponents of the acquittal, fearing that any concession to Bibi or the other victims of the blasphemy laws could lead to changes in the Islamic law and secularism in Pakistan the door opens.
Supporters of the TLP protest in Lahore against the suspension of the death sentence
“Willingly we go to death, but we will make in our attitude [to the case of Bibi] no compromises,” said Pir Ejaz Shah, spokesman for the radical Islamic political party Tehreek-e-and excellence Pakistan (TLP), the DW after the verdict. The TLP called for the death of the judge. In the beginning of October, the party warned that “any attempt by you (Bibi, Anm. d. Red.) to bring abroad, with terrible consequences”.
Misuse
In the 1980s, military dictator Zia ul-Haq, the laws against blasphemy. In practice, blasphemy is contemptuous Statements and actions against Islam, the Koran and the prophet Mohammed to be understood.
Activists criticise the fact that they are often applied in cases that are unlikely to have anything to do with blasphemy and are used to settle petty disputes and personal vendettas. Victims were Muslims in a society with 97 percent often, Christians, Hindus and Ahmadis, members of an Islamic sect.
Since 2010, Bibi’s family lives under constant fear. Since then, the husband of the five-fold mother, Ashiq Masih is struggling desperately for life and freedom of his wife. “We lead a life on the run,” said Masih, the DW in 2015. “We are on the run from the death threats we receive again and again, moving us from one place to the next.” The life of his family was destroyed. Masih was afraid to be in Public as Asia Bibi’s husband recognized. “That’s why I don’t speak almost at all with Muslims. I’m afraid that you know who I am.”
Asia Bibi’s husband Ashiq Masih in October 2014
Nadeem Joseph hosted Bibi’s family during the procedure. “The family is very excited, but also very worried. She’s hiding still, because she was exposed to severe threats,” said Joseph after the verdict. They hope that the government will take care of your safety.
Supporters must fear to life
According to experts, in the case of Asia Bibi was not more motivated in the past few years have to be the only religiously, but also politically. At the beginning of 2011, a few months after Bibi’s first conviction, Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab province killed by his Bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri with 28 shots. Qadri said he killed Taseer because of this Bibi have supported the blasphemy wants to change laws. When Qadri was brought to the prison, strewing the rights of groups of flower petals over him. Mosques have been named after him, and large-format portraits all over the country hung up. Ten months after the murder, was imposed against Qadri for the death penalty.
In recent years, many Christians and Hindus have been killed because of the unproven allegations of blasphemy brutal. In August 2012, a Christian girl with Down’s was accused of syndrome, the paper burnt, the verses of the Holy Quran. Rimsha Masih remained in custody for months until the charges were dropped. The case, triggered in the Region of riots and violence against Christians. In 2013, her family moved to Canada.
Islamist hardliners stand radically against any change in the blasphemy laws
A Christian Couple was beaten to 2014 to death because they allegedly desecrated a Koran issue business. Their corpses were burned. And in September of last year, a Christian was sentenced to death, because he “is blasphemous to have’s” Material via WhatsApp widely used.
Since August, the acting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised during the election campaign, to defend the blasphemy laws. The independent human rights Commission of Pakistan (HCRP) criticized the government for doing nothing against the Islamists, the hate campaigns against Christians ensued, and especially in social media. “The inactivity of the government has encouraged even. The reigning government is doing what did the previous governments: the rights of groups to appease,” says Mehdi Hassen, Chairman of the HCRP.