Pakistan: Accused blasphemer Asia Bibi’s acquittal upheld by top court
This is unexpected, since the case was only reconsidered because of massive nationwide riots by Muslims who demanded her death. It would have surprised no one if the Pakistani Supreme Court opted to appease those mobs. Instead, watch for new riots and mob violence.
“Asia Bibi blasphemy acquittal upheld by Pakistan court,” BBC, January 29, 2019:
Pakistan’s top court has rejected a challenge to the acquittal of a Christian woman on blasphemy charges.The Supreme Court upheld its decision to overturn Asia Bibi’s conviction and death sentence.She was originally convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a row with her neighbours, and spent eight years on death row.She has always maintained her innocence in a case that has polarised Pakistan.The Supreme Court’s quashing of her sentence last October led to violent protests by religious hardliners who support strong blasphemy laws, while more liberal sections of society urged her release.Hardliners had petitioned to overturn this ruling.“Based on merit, this petition is dismissed,” Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said in court on Tuesday.Ms Bibi – also known as Asia Noreen – was unable to leave Pakistan while an appeal request was pending….
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