February
18, 2015
Punjab officials are fast-tracking cases where they believe defendants
are accused of blasphemy without basis – but have excluded Christians from the
process.
The Punjab Prosecution Department has short-listed 50 cases of alleged
blasphemers whom they believe have been falsely accused. Sources say that they
have decided not to fast-track for acquittal cases involving non-Muslims for
fear of a ‘violent reaction’ by Islamic hardliners. However, Christians are
disproportionately targeted by those misusing the blasphemy
laws.
Christian religious rights activists are now calling on Punjab officials
to include Christians in the process, citing several who are on death row for
alleged blasphemy. These include farm labourer Asia Bibi. Release Int.
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