Asia Bibi has now had her court appeal postponed for the third time. The Christian Pakistani woman was accused of speaking against the prophet Muhammad in 2009 and sentenced to death by hanging in 2010.
She is the first Pakistani woman to receive such a sentencing for blasphemy in recent history reports Christian Today.
Bibi’s last appeal was scheduled for March 26, but was dismissed when the complainant did not appear in court.
Pakistan has not carried out its death sentences for other citizens accused of blasphemy, but the accused are at risk of being killed by extremist groups while awaiting appeals. Bibi’s family, including five children, are also at risk and are forced to remain in hiding for their safety.
British Pakistani Christian Association chairman Wilson Chowdhry said, "I feel for Asia Bibi, her confidence of ever seeing justice must be waning. Expectations of justice and being reunited with her family grow as the trial dates near, each deferment simply shatters the fragile hope she maintains.”
Chowdhry urged Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain to pardon Bibi for the crime.
Publication date: April 14, 2014
