I have long been intrigued by the case of Asia Bibi. According to Wikipedia: “The Asia Bibi blasphemy case involves Pakistani Christian woman Aasiya Noreen, born 1971, commonly known as Āsia Bibī, who was convicted of blasphemy by a Pakistani court and was sentenced to death by hanging in 2010.In October 2018, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted her based on insufficient evidence, though she will not be allowed to leave Pakistan until the verdict has been reviewed, a process that can take years. In June 2009, Noreen was accused of blasphemy after an argument with co-workers while harvesting berries. She was subsequently arrested and imprisoned. In November 2010, a Sheikhupura judge sentenced her to death by hanging. The verdict was upheld by Lahore High Court and received worldwide attention”.

I have been keen following developments for some time, along with others of like mind, realizing the fate that might befall her (and still could) and have been much concerned and in prayer. This is clearly a travesty of justice and an example, one of many sadly, of religious persecution across the world, born of hate, prejudice and religious fanaticism, and this too often results in death for those whose only “crime” is being a follower of a religion, in most cases Christian. Some of those siding with Asia, including those involved in the legal process, have been killed by opponents (her lawyer has fled the country because of threats). The demonstrations after the acquittal calling for her execution is worrying, as is the decision of the Pakistani authorities not to allow her to leave Pakistan to a country she is a lot likelier to be safe, because of fear of the mob. Of particular sadness is the decision of many western countries to not get involved by way of protest or through sanctions, and of our own spineless, morally inept UK authorities not to grant asylum for fear of the repercussions. It is also an example of why Islam is not a religion of peace, as far as certain practitioners are concerned, something too often played down because of political correctness.

I raise the matter here because it is important and people need to know. I continue to pray for Asia and her family.