Blasphemy Laws in Muslim-majority Countries
Asma Uddin Monday, 13 June 2011
In a prison in Sheikhupura, Pakistan, Aasia Bibi, the first woman in Pakistan to be sentenced to death for blasphemy, contemplates her fate. Who will provide for her five children if she is killed? Will she become a martyr for the growing movement opposing blasphemy laws? Will the international community succeed in campaigning for her to be pardoned? If she is pardoned, who will protect her from the angry masses instigated by extremists?
In June 2009, Aasia offered water to fellow farm workers. They refused to accept on the grounds that she was a Christian and, therefore, they believed the water must be contaminated. An exchange of words occurred, with each side defending their religion. Allegedly, Aasia insulted the Prophet Muhammad by saying, "The Quran is fake and your prophet remained in bed for one month before his death because he had worms in his ears and mouth. He married Khadija just for money and, after looting her, kicked her out of the house." A few days later, a mob set upon Aasia, and the police rescued her from certain death. However, the police later charged her with committing blasphemy and held her in isolation for 17 months while she awaited trial.
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