UK: November 18, 2010. (PCP) The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) has received with sadness the news that Asia Bibi has been sentenced to death for blasphemy by a session court in the province of Punjab. The Christian mother-of-two, from Ittanwali, was sentenced by the court on Sunday. The news is especially regretful as CLAAS had been providing free legal aid to Asia until her husband Ashiq Masih decided to transfer her case to local Muslim solicitors who had no experience in dealing with blasphemy cases. We believe this decision played a crucial part in the resulting ruling against Asia. Joseph Francis, director of CLAAS Pakistan, has again offered free legal assistance to Asia but cannot proceed without the consent of her family. Our lawyers have considerable experience in blasphemy cases and most recently won the acquittal of Rubina Bibi, who had been charged with blasphemy under section 295-C of the Pakistani penal code – in Pakistan, blasphemy charges carry a death sentence. Until now, Christians sentenced to death in Pakistan have been freed by the high court and Supreme Court and we are hoping for the same outcome for Asia. Despite this possibility, however, even Christians who have had their death sentences overturned have had to spend years in prison and, even once found innocent, are unable to lead normal lives because of fear of attack. Many have to go into hiding for years. The Pakistani government has made no effort to reform the discriminatory laws that put the lives of Pakistan’s Christians at constant risk. It is unclear how many years Asia will have to spend in jail. Even if she appeals the sentence in the high court, it may take years before her case is even heard. Asia was charged with blasphemy by fellow field labourers after discussing her faith with them. They pressured her to convert to Islam and she and her daughters were later attacked by local Muslims. CLAAS is extremely concerned about the sentence as it proves that the blasphemy laws are being misused with little protection or justice for victims. Joseph Francis, director of CLAAS Pakistan, said: “CLAAS was successful in securing the release of Rubina Bibi and her son. We stand ready to protect the rights of more innocent victims. Unfortunately the sentencing of Asia Bibi is yet another sign of the great danger facing Pakistan’s Christians. We are working for the release of Christians facing blasphemy charges, including Ruqyia Bibi and Munir Masih, who have been sentenced to 25 years in prison. We believe God is on our side.” Please pray: · For the immediate release of Asia Bibi and the possibility of returning to a safe life with her husband and two children · That Ruqyia Bibi and Munir Masih will be acquitted of false blasphemy charges and released from jail · That Rubina Bibi and her family can rebuild a normal life and be supplied with adequate shelter, food and clothing · Legal aids involved in the cases, that they can have wisdom and strength and secure the release of innocent Christians from prison Nasir Saeed, coordinator of CLAAS UK, said: “We have voiced our concern over the blasphemy laws with the Pakistani government and at the international level and we will continue to do so until they are changed in such a way that they can no longer be misappropriated by radicals and extremists looking for a way to settle their personal scores and make life difficult for Christians. Cruel and harsh treatment is a sad fact of life for Pakistan’s Christians.”