The Other Side of Grief

Shamim Masih reports an update of Asia Bibi arrested for blasphemy in 2009 and sentenced to death by hanging in 2010 and has languished in jail awaiting the noose or release to this present day in 2014.

Here is a telling video posted on 2/25/12:

VIDEO: PAKISTAN'S BLASPHEMY LAW: ETHNIC CLEANSING OF CHRISTIANS

JRH 3/22/14

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The Other Side of Grief

Asia’s appeal deferred again

By Shamim Masih

Sent: 3/21/2014 2:24 PM

ISLAMABAD: After three years, Asia’s children would be hoping to see the[r mother at home as her case was fixed for a hearing before a division bench. Asia Bibi’s appeal was taken up at the Lahore High Court (LHC) praying that the conviction for blasphemy was inconsistent with the evidence. The court may reduce her sentence, if it does not grant an acquittal altogether. Judges are reluctant to use their powers to take up Asia’s case on a priority basis due to its controversial [nature within Muslim Pakistan]. Asia Bibi was charged for insulting Muhammad and then sentenced to death. My heart aches and aches and I found myself crying almost the entire time, even though I never had a chance to know her. The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement CLAAS claimed to provide legal aid and assistance to [family] members of Asia Bibi.

Beside the truth that the LHC deferred the way it has [cancelled hearings in the past]. In addition we should instead look into the subject of publishing the particular request [Blog Editor: maybe for acquittal] prior to the courtroom [appearance] in addition to publically introducing the court date. [Blog Editor: I rearranged the word order. Hopefully I guessed correctly the point Shamim was making.]

I think; we should be profoundly concerned about the security of Asia Bibi and her family instead taking credit. I wrote and went to Lahore for the proceeding of the case because after three years this case is [looked at] again. As I was on the way [to the hearing] I came to know that [the case] was deferred [again] so I went to see her family. There I met her husband Aashiq Masih, who was disheartened. Earlier we planned to follow the case secretly but observing the law and order situation in the country, we didn’t take up an application. We know that Asia’s case is sensitive in this situation [within Pakistan and] we are not worthy to take credits [for reporting]. Asia, 45, has been in the jail since June, 2009. Yasin Badar, advocate CLAAS stated that judges must be under some pressure because there was no other reason why the hearing could be cancelled twice. He said the judge hearing her appeal went on a leave on the last hearing.

It is very obvious that judges are under pressure, since Governor Salaman Taseer and Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti were assassinated. There is no other reason [judges continuously cancelling court dates]. Talking on the phone Joseph Francis chief of CLAAS claimed that he is supporting Asia’s family. While Aashiq Masih (Asia’s husband) denies [the validity of Josef Francis’] statement. Bibi’s husband said CLAAS has never helped his family in this regard since she was arrested. CLAAS accumulates funds in her name but not [actually] working for Asia.

CLAAS has reportedly conned the Sawan case [Blog Editor: Sawan Masih blasphemy case initial report. Sawan update 2/22/14 – Sawan claims blasphemy charged fabricated for land grab] as well. There are several loopholes in the prosecution’s case, including her extrajudicial confession, inconsistencies in the testimony of prosecution witness and procedural lapses, said her attorney. In this situation if the case is taken up sensibly it will win acquittal.

Be Blessed,

Shamim Masih

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Edited by John R. Houk

All text and links within brackets are by the Editor

© Shamim Masih

Special Correspondents

Daily Khabrian (PakBiz.com description) & Channel - 5

Human Rights Activist

Snapshot of Human Rights Activism from 2011

Christian Rights Activist
Freelance Journalist 

Secretary General of Information 

Pakistan Christian Congress

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