Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Pakistani Judges Receive Threats Over Upcoming Blasphemy Decision

According to DAWN, last week, a 3-judge panel of Pakistan's Supreme Court heard the appeal in Aasia Bibi's blasphemy case.  Bibi, a Christian, had been sentenced to death by lower courts. (See prior posting). After the hearing, the Supreme Court enjoined electronic and print media from discussing or commenting on the case until the Court's decision is handed down. Christian Post reported yesterday, however, that Supreme Court justices are receiving threats of death if they grant clemency to Bibi. The threats are coming from "hardline Muslim extremists affiliated with political parties like Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan."  TLPis threatening paralyzing nationwide sit-in protests if Bibi is freed. Leaders of Pakistan's Red Mosque movement have petitioned the court to place Bibi on a no-fly sit to prevent her from taking advantage of asylum in another country if she is freed.