11/02/2018 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – Islamists have continued their protests against the acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman formally convicted under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, into a third day. Pakistani Christians also continue to fear their community may become a target of the protesters’ rage.
On Wednesday, October 31, Pakistan’s Supreme Court announced their decision to acquit Bibi and vacate her death sentence. In a 56-page judgement written by Pakistan’s Chief Justice, the court found that there was insufficient evidence to convict Bibi of blasphemy.
The acquittal was met with protest by Pakistan’s hardliners. These hardliners continue to advocate for stricter blasphemy laws and for Bibi to be executed. Protesters have demanded the Supreme Court review its decision to acquit Bibi and to add her name to a list that would bar her from leaving the country.
Pakistan’s government has called for calm and has warned protesters that the destruction of property and violence will not be tolerated. Police and other security officials have been deployed to Christian neighborhoods to protect the minority community against potential attack.
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