Sentence Upheld For Christian 'Blasphemy' Convict In Pakistan

October 17, 2014

A court in eastern Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of a Christian women convicted of blasphemy four years ago.

Asia Bibi’s lawyer said the Lahore High Court dismissed the appeal on October 16, and vowed to appeal in the Supreme Court.

Bibi, a mother of five, was arrested in 2009.

She has been on death row since November 2010 after she was found guilty of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad during an argument with a Muslim woman.

The case brought international criticism of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which were introduced in the 1980s.

Rights activists have urged Pakistan to repeal the legislation, arguing it is often used to settle personal disputes. 

The issue is so sensitive that even unproven allegations can provoke mob violence.

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa