Pakistan News.

Christian woman gets death for blasphemy in Pakistan

Press Trust of IndiaPosted: Fri Nov 12 2010, 04:19 hrsLondon:=============================================================

A 45-year-old Christian woman has been sentenced to death after being convicted by a Pakistani court for defaming the Prophet Mohammed, the first such conviction in the country.

The sentence awarded to Asia Bibi, a mother of five, sparked protests by a rights groups on Thursday.

She was sentenced on Monday by a court at Sheikhupura town in Punjab province, 75 km from Lahore. 

Asia Bibi has denied the charge of blasphemy and told investigators that she was being persecuted for her faith.

No one has been executed as yet for blasphemy in Pakistan though several Christians have been arrested or convicted in recent years on charges of defaming the Prophet Mohammed.

Asia Bibi’s case dates back to June 2009, when she was asked to fetch water while working in the fields with other women. A group of Muslim women refused to drink the water brought by a Christian. They claimed the water was “unclean” and this triggered a row. A few days later, the women went to a local cleric and alleged that Asia Bibi had made derogatory remarks about the Prophet.

The cleric went to the police, who registered a case and arrested Asia Bibi. She was prosecuted under Section 295 C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries the death penalty.

Activists said Asia Bibi was held in isolation for over a year before being sentenced on Monday.

Her husband Ashiq Masih said he will appeal the sentence, which needs to be confirmed by the Lahore HC.

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