LOC12:31
09:31 GMT
ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (KUNA) -- Pakistan released the Christian woman who was
convicted in a blasphemy case and sentenced to death by a district court.
President Asif Ali Zardari accepted the clemency plea of Aasia Bibi and she
has been released, official sources told KUNA.
They said she was transferred to undisclosed location.
Aasia Bibi, 45, was given the death sentence by a judge in Nankana Sahib
district of eastern Punjab province on November 9.
A local cleric, Qari Saleem, lodged a First Information Report (FIR)
against her for allegedly passing derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad
peace be upon him.
However, Aasia has rejected the accusation.
The case of Aasia has renewed controversy over blasphemy law in Pakistan
with civil society groups and minorities calling it an unjust law.
Local reports on Saturday said that the next session of National Assembly
will present "a motion for the review of the anti-blasphemy law."
Asma Jahangir, a human rights activist and President of Supreme Court Bar
Association, said that the blasphemy laws are being misused in the country.
She said that the death penalty should be abolished from the country and
that such cases should be heard by the High Court. (end)
amn.ris
KUNA 221231 Nov 10NNNN