Blasphemy and Defamation of Religion – Page 2 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Pakistan Christian Leader Nazir Bhatti Calls for Human Rights, Release of Aasia Bibi

Pakistan Christian Congress leader, Dr. Nazir Bhatti, spoke on December 9 at a Human Rights Day event at the National Press Club, telling assembled human rights activists and the press of the oppression of Pakistani Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan. Dr. Nazir Bhatti also called for the end to the blasphemy law in Pakistan and the release of a Christian woman Aasia Bibi. Aasia Bibi was arrested on false claims of “blasphemy” against Islam and has been facing the death sentence in Pakistan.

On December 10, Dr. Bhatti and other members of the Pakistan Christian diaspora will be holding a protest outside of the United Nations in New York City at 10 AM. The Pakistan News reports today that United Nations Expert Adviser on Human Rights and Pakistan’s former Federal Minister for Human Rights Burney is urging the Pakistan government to release Aasia Bibi.

aasia-bibi — Aasia Bibi, Pakistan Christian Woman Sentenced to Death for "Blasphemy"

On December 9, at the National Press Club, Dr. Nazir Bhatti spoke on these issues. Dr. Bhatti also leads the Pakistan Christian Post, which regularly reports on these topics.

The video of his remarks on online on YouTube:

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkA7MPUT62c&

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQA5c3Rlf9M

The following is the text of his prepared remarks:

When we celebrate Universal Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our confidence in equal rights for human beings around world irrespective of religion, color or creed. I must submit on this occasion that Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Universal Human Rights doctrine being a member state of United Nations but fails to guarantee equal, basic, democratic rights under UDHR to millions of its citizens, specially religious minorities in its territory. In the constitution legislated after independence of Pakistan in 1947, we find Objective Resolution as a preamble with a paragraph on religious freedom and equal rights for minorities. However, in 1956 and 1962 constitutions of Pakistan the clauses on protection of minority rights were conveniently scratched. Then the “Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan” was adopted in 1973, in the absence of any minority legislator. Article 2, was added in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, declaring the country an Islamic state and homeland of Muslims only.

Later, the 4th amendment in the constitution declared Ahmadi Muslim sect to be non-Muslims while 8th amendment turned all non-Muslims to be second class citizens in Pakistan when through presidential orders of a military dictator, lHudood Ordinance, Law of Evidence, Law of Compensation, Article 302 of Federal Shariat Court and introduction of Blasphemy law Section 295-B and 295-C Pakistan Penal Code became part of constitution in 1986 under General Ziaul Haq..

I would like to invite your attention on misuse of Islamic laws by the Muslim majority against religious minorities, specially the misue of blasphemy law to target innocent minority members. According to the Religious Freedom Report 2010, issued by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, more than 974 cases have been filed from 1986 to 2009, against individuals of religious minorities under section 295 B and C of Pakistan Penal Code. Under Section 295-C Pakistan Penal Code, any person guilty of defiling the name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was made liable to suffer life imprisonment or death. Later, in 1991, instead of life imprisonment, capital punishment was inducted under the direction of the Federal Shariat Court of Pakistan. According to Ahamadi Muslims, more than 250 individuals of Ahmadi Muslims have been charged under Section 295-C PPC in Pakistan.

We have grave concerns about the safety of Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother of five, who was sentenced to death on an accusation of blasphemy law Section 295 B and C PPC on November 8, 2010, in the Punjab province of Pakistan, which by the way is toughest for minorities.

According to fact finding mission of Pakistan Christian Congress, Aasia Bibi had some argument with her Muslim neighbor woman on her goat entering their home.

After a week, when Aasia Bibi was working in a farm with Muslim women, on touching drinking water container, the same neighbor raised objection that the water had become polluted by touching of the water tumbler by Aasia Bibi, a Christian infidel. The Muslim woman screamed that calling Christianity is religion of God, Aasia Bibi has defiled Islam and attacked her. Aasia Bibi ran towards her home but Muslim women and men working in the farms followed her, dragged her out of home and tortured her and her children.

Police arrived and took Asia Bibi to Saddar Police Station to save her life, After two days a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against her under Section 295 B and C PPC, on the complaint of the Imam local mosque on June 19, 2009. She is in Seikhupura Jail now, waiting for her appeal against death sentence in Lahore High Court.

The President of Pakistan is empowered to pardon any sentence while Home Minister can withdraw any FIR according to constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The clemency appeal was submitted by Aasia Bibi to President of Pakistan but fundamentalist religious groups and Islamic political parties in Pakistan have launched a campaign against any pardon to a blasphemer. An Islamic cleric in Peshawar has announced reward of half a million Pakistani Rupees for any one who will kill Asia Bibi, which has created potential threat to her life. The Islamic political parties staged a massive rally in Islamabad and other major cities of Pakistan to pressure higher court to put the Christian woman to death.

I also like to bring to your notice on November 18, 2010, Latif Masih aged 22, was shot dead in Punjab after he was granted bail after five months of imprisonment for “blasphemy” for allegedly burning pages of the Qur’an,. The extremists are taking law in their hands and murdering Christians falsely accused in blasphemy in broad day light to win heaven for them. It is on public record that radical elements gunned downed Pastor Emmanuel and his brother Sajjid in the compound of District Courts Faisalabad, when the two were brought in police escort for hearing in a blasphemy case on July 19, 2010. On July 30, 2009, hundreds of members of banned Muslim organizations, torched Christian homes and burned alive seven Christian women and children in Gojra City in Punjab province of Pakistan. The Muslim mob set on fire hundreds of homes and vandalized Churches in village Korian Bahminwali in Punjab after charges of blasphemy. On September 16, 2009, Robert Danish, a Christian youth was killed in Sialkot Central Jail in a security cell awaited trial in a blasphemy case.

Moreover, Islamic militants gunned down Justice Arif Iqbal Hussain Bhatti of Lahore High Court on October 19, 1997, in his office on acquitting two people who were accused of blasphemy. On June 5, 1994, a blasphemy accused Manzoor Masih died on the spot in front of Lahore High Court when Islamic elements attacked him. It is also for record that Bantu Masih, 80, and Mukhtar Masih, 50, were arrested on an allegation of committing blasphemy and stabbed to death in the Police Station in the city of Lahore.

Tahir Iqbal facing sentence in blasphemy was killed in Lahore District Jail on July 7, 1991. A Christian teacher Niamat Ahmar was also killed by extremists on accusation of blasphemy law.

Keeping in view killing of Christians accused of blasphemy, the Pakistani Christians fear that Aasia Bibi is not safe in Pakistan like many other blasphemy victims gunned down by the hands of religious fanatics. In our appeal to Secretary General of United Nations dated 2nd December 2010, we urged him to press upon government of Pakistan to ensure justice and to adopt necessary measures for safety of Aasia Bibi and her family. We have also submitted an appeal with EU, urging safety for Aasia Bibi and repeal of blasphemy law.

On this Day, Universal Human Rights Day, we Pakistani Christians appeal to US administration to press upon government of Pakistan to repeal controversial blasphemy law which is being used against religious minorities to settle business rivalries and personal petty disputes.

We also appeal US administration to condition aid to Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar with religious freedom and human rights so that every citizen of Pakistan may enjoy equal basic democratic and human rights.

We also invite attention of UN General Assembly member states and their representatives in United Nations Human Right Council UNHRC to re-consider their stance on “Defamation of Religion” resolution, presented by Pakistan on behalf of Organization of Islamic Countries, prepared by Egypt and seconded by U.S.A., in present situation of religious minorities in Islamic states because Pakistan wants to globalize blasphemy law.

Pakistan: Blasphemy Churges Dropped, Christian Mother and Son Freed

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception. We reject oppression of religious minorities.

In Pakistan, Christian woman Rubina Bibi and her 1 and 1/2 year old son Yashwa have been freed from prison after Additional and Session Judge Mohammad Asghar Khan in Wazirabad district set her free in Gujranwala, Punjab. She has now arrived in Lahore, according to various Christian media sources. On July 19, 2010, two Pakistan Christian brothers were shot to death in the street in broad daylight on the Faisalband Court House steps, after being exonerated of blasphemy charges, which are often used to falsely accuse others to settle personal grudges or to oppress religions minorities.

The Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) reported that Rubina Bibi had been exonerated after being pressured into a false confession.

Pakistan Christian woman Rubina Bibi and her 1 and 1/2 year old son Yashwa Freed From Prision (Photo: COMPASS)

According to the CLASS press release, “A Pakistani Christian woman and her infant son, who spent nearly six months in prison on a false charge of blasphemy, have won a bid for their freedom. Gujranwala session judge, Mohammad Asghar Khan, yesterday [Wednesday, 11 August, 2010] dropped charges against Rubina Bibi who had been accused of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed by a local Muslim shopkeeper following a dispute over a food product (butter) she had bought and tried to return.”

“Ms. Bibi was arrested in March and would have faced the mandatory death penalty if convicted under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. The 25-year-old mother of three spent almost six months in Gujranwala jail with her one and a half year old son, Joshua, but was released late yesterday following the judge’s ruling. Ms. Bibi’s accuser had recently offered to settle the matter out of court if she converted to Islam.”

“CLAAS has been providing legal aid for Ms. Bibi since her arrest, and supporting her family throughout the ordeal. She was denied bail several times and Muslim extremists groups reportedly tried to influence the outcome of the case against her. Ms. Bibi and her family, including her husband and two other children, have been moved to an unknown location for their safety.”

“Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK said, ‘Although CLAAS has a life-saving track record, in this case I am very happy as Rubina is only 25 years old and even her one and half year old son was imprisoned with her, which was very unfair. We are grateful to everybody who has been praying for Rubina’s release. Rubina has been cleared of blasphemy charges in a very short period of time and we all know that normally these cases take years and years to be settled.'”

“CLAAS campaigns for Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to be amended and ultimately repealed, as they are often used to settle personal grudges against Christians and other religious minorities.”

Pakistan Christian woman Rubina Bibi and her 1 and 1/2 year old son Yashwa Freed From Prision (Photo: Continental News, COMPASS)

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Choose Love, Not Hate – Love Wins.

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Related reports:

March 24, 2010 – COMPASS: Christian Woman Jailed under Pakistan’s ‘Blasphemy’ Laws

August 12, 2010 – COMPASS: Pakistani Court Acquits Christian Woman of ‘Blasphemy’

Pakistan Christian Post: Judge drops blasphemy charges, frees Christian mother and infant son

Pakistani Court Acquits Christian Woman of ‘Blasphemy’

Pakistan Christians Protest “Black Day” Treatment of Minorities at UN

The Pakistan Christian Congress and other Pakistan human rights activists protested in front of the United Nations Offices in New York City on August 12, 2010 to address the plight of Pakistani Christians as an oppressed minority. Their protest was in recognition of “Minority Day” which was renamed “Black Day” in remembrance of the oppression and atrocities against Pakistani Christians. The protesters also provided copies of petitions to the United Nations delegates calling for UN Secretary General Ban Moon to repeal award refugee status to Pakistani Christians and to urge the Pakistani government to repeal the blasphemy law.

"Black Day to Freedom" - Recognizing the Oppression of Pakistani Christians

On August 2, 2010 in Washington DC, the Pakistan Christian Congress’ Dr. Nazir Bhatti and speakers from Christian, Muslim, and human rights organizations spoke on the plight of the Christians and religious minorities in Pakistan. The August 2 press conference was a remembrance of the August 1, 2009 Gojra mob attacks against Christian men, women, and children, burning people alive, and burning Christian houses and churches to the ground.

On the August 12 NYC United Nations protest, the Pakistan Christian Post reported that:

August 12, 2010 - NYC - Pakistan Christians Protesting Oppression (Photo: Dr. Nazir Bhatti)

“Pakistani Christian invite intervention of United Nations to end their constitutional genocide

New York: August 12, 2010. (PCP) The Pakistani Christian Diaspora in USA staged protest in front of United Nation Offices to observe “Black Day” on killing of Christians and to mark 1st anniversary of Gojra massacre
The protest of “Black Day” was organized by Pakistani Christian Association in North America PCA, Pakistan Christian Congress PCC and The Peace Worldwide which was attended by congregates of different denominations of Pakistani Churches.

The protestors hoisted cards with slogans to end persecution and killing of Christians in Pakistan. The copies of petition were also distributed among different UN delegates to highlight plight of Christians in Pakistan.

The petition to Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of United Nation sought intervention of United Nations to end killing of Christians and to press upon government of Pakistan to repeal blasphemy law.

The petition also appealed to Secretary General of United Nations to award Refugee Status to Pakistani Christians on continuous constitutional genocide.

At the end of protest, Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC and Mr. James Cyprian went in UNO building and presented petition to officer of Secretary General office.

Here is copy of petition submitted to UNO:

Mr. Ban Ki Moon,

Secretary General, United Nations

New York.

20 million Pakistani Christians observed “Black Day” instead of Minority Day by government of Pakistan on August 11, to demand repeal of blasphemy law and to end killing of Christians.

His Excellency,

We wish to draw your kind attention on rising violence against Christians on pretext to blasphemy law, enforced conversion, kidnap and gang rape of Christian women, vandalism of Churches, desecration of Holy Bibles, attacks on homes of Christians, killing of innocent Christians and destruction of Christian properties in Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The government of Pakistan have failed to ensure justice and to protect life and property of Christian citizens where fundamental Muslims attack and destroy homes of Christians under supervision of administration and walk free after killing them.

On July 31, 2009, thousands of Muslims attacked Gojra Town Christians colony setting on fire more than fifty homes and burning alive 7 Christian children and women in presence of local police but culprit are free mocking justice system of Pakistan. The Muslim mobs attack and destruction of hundreds of homes in village Korian and Bahminwala in Punjab province of Pakistan where culprits have been also protected and saved by administration to walk unpunished.

The arrests of Christians under blasphemy law have been doubled in present regime and incident of killing of Two Christian Brothers on July 19, 2010, in broad day light in District Courts of Faisalabad during hearing in blasphemy case is total failure of administration to protect life of Christians in Pakistan.

20 million Pakistani Christian have no voice in democratic institutions of Pakistan when Islamic parties are selecting their representation on reserved seats for minorities in parliament and using them as tool to mislead international community on situation of Christians in Pakistan. We have been deprived of our right to elect our representatives and turned to be second class citizens in Pakistan. Therefore, Pakistani Christians demand right of election of their representative proportional to population in parliament instead of selection by Muslim groups.

We appeal your honor to press upon government of Pakistan to repeal blasphemy law and to adopt necessary measures to protect life and property of Christians in Pakistan.

The thousands of Christians from Punjab province are fleeing to other cities on incidents of violence and arrests under blasphemy have forced them to take refuge in safe places. We also appeal your honor to award Refugee Status to Pakistani Christians that they may take refuge in other countries when they do not have equal basic democratic rights in Pakistan and treated as second class citizen.

Thanking you.

1. Nazir S Bhatti,

President, Pakistan Christian Congress PCC

www.pakistanchristiancongress.org

Editor, Pakistan Christian Post PCP

www.pakistanchristianpost.com

2. William Shahzad

Chairman, Pakistani Christian Association in North America PCA

3. James Cyprian

The Peace Worldwide

Dated: August 12, 2010.

New York.”

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On August 11, 2010, in other parts of the world, Pakistanis also recognized “Black Day.”

Pakistan - August 11, 2010: Black Day in Pakistan: Lahore: Christian marched in Lahore, Pakistan to demand repeal of blasphemy law. AssitNews Photo

UK - London: August 11, 2010: Pakistani Christian Diaspora observed "Black Day" instead of Minority Day to demand repeal of blasphemy law and end to atrocities against Christians in Pakistan: Photo Aap Ki Awaz Show by Taskeen Khan

UK - London, August 11, 2010: Black Day-2: App Ki Awaz with Taskeen Khan Show: Pakistani Christian in UK protest against atrocities on Christian in Pakistan: Photo Christian Social link UK

UK - Black Day-2 observed by Pakistani Christian Diaspora in UK, with protest in front of Pakistan High Commission in London on August 11: Photo by Christian Social Link UK

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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths, including the freedom of religion supported under Article 1 of the United States Constitution. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.

We urge all to Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

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Pakistan Christians Mourn Brothers Murdered for Blasphemy, Police Use Teargas on Christians

Pakistani Christians are mourning the death of two brothers, Christian pastor Rashid Emmanuel and his brother Sajjad, who were shot to death on court house ground on July 19, 2010 in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The two brothers had left a court hearing on on charges of “blasphemy,” when they were gunned down and their police escort wounded by what COMPASS Direct News reports as “five armed, masked men.” The Pakistan Christian Post reports that on July 20, “the two brothers were buried in the Jamra Road grave yard after their last rites were completed in a catholic Church.”

The Pakistan Christian Post reported that the Pakistan police had concluded that there was no evidence of blasphemy” against the two Christian men, and that the handwriting on the “blasphemous” leaflets that they were charged with did not match the handwriting of the suspects. Dawn reported that the alleged “blasphemous” leaflets “unbelievably, also contained phone numbers” of the brothers. The Pakistan Christian Post reported that “investigation officer Mohammad Hussian produced Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel before Judge in District Courts where he testified that police have investigated allegations leveled against them but found no proof that they may be charged under blasphemy.” BBC reported that “Atif Jameel, spokesman for the Pakistan Minorities Democratic Foundation, told the BBC: ‘No-one in his right mind would issue a derogatory pamphlet against the Prophet and put his name and address on it. This appears to be a conspiracy against peace and religious harmony in Faisalabad.'” Asia IT News reports the two men had continued to assert their innocence. Dawn reported that “Khurram, believed to be an activist of the little known Tehrik-i-Hurmat-i-Rasool, got the two brothers arrested.”

Pakisan: Christian Pastor Rashid Emmanuel Gunned Down in Faisalabad Court in Broad Daylight on July 19, 2010. (Photo by Jabran Inayat and GVM Television)

The men were then ambushed by masked gunmen who waiting for the two Christian brothers on the court house steps. According to the Pakistan Christian Post, “As there were rumors that Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel are found innocent and will be released, the extremists Muslims reached in District Courts Faisalabad and were waiting for them to come out of court house. As Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel were walking towards district courts custody cell with police, the unidentified gunmen opened fire and Rashid Emmanuel felt on ground. Sajjid Emmanuel stepped to save his brother but gunmen shot him down too.” Asia IT News reports that “For several days, Muslim religious leaders in Faisalabad had been fanning the flame of hatred against the two brothers, calling for their death.” COMPASS Direct News also reported that Christian Lawyers’ Foundation (CLF) “President Khalid Gill said the bodies of the two Christians bore cuts and other signs of having been tortured, including marks on their faces, while the brothers were in police custody.”

The Pakistan Christian Post indicated that previously “The Muslims took out a procession on July 10, 2010, when they burnt tires and pelted stones on Catholic Church Warispura Faisalabad. The mob threatened that if these brothers are not executed according to Muslim law, the mob will exact revenge not only on them, but the entire Christian community.” The Pakistan Daily Times similarly reported: “Earlier this month, about 400 demonstrators burnt tires and held protests in the Waris Pura neighborhood of Faisalabad, a slum inhabited by nearly 100,000 Christians, demanding the death penalty for the accused.” Asia IT News reported: “Immediately right after their arrest, Muslims organized a protest demonstration, calling for the two Christian brothers to be put to death.”

After the outrageous broad daylight murder of Pakistani Christians in police custody, protest demonstrations occurred in the Christian community in the brothers’ native area of Daoodnag. Dawn reported that “Monday’s killings led to violent protests by the Christian community in the brothers’ native area of Daoodnagar; a section of the Muslim community reacted by asking the people over mosque loudspeakers to ‘fight the rampaging’ Christians. The situation grew volatile enough to necessitate the imposition of Section 144 for the maintenance of public order.”

According to the Pakistan Christian Post, “The family members protested against murder of Emmanuel Brothers but Muslim Imamas of mosques announced ‘Muslims come out of homes and let us kill all infidel Christians.’ On which Muslims organizations took out rallies and processions to justify killing of Christians. Heavy contingent of police noted the situation and dispersed the protestors.”

Policemen fire teargas shells to disperse the protesters during a demonstration against the killing of two Christian brothers outside the court building in Faisalabad. –Online Photo

In the July 21, 2010 Dawn editorial “Jungle Justice,” Dawn stated that “There have been several instances where police apathy, perhaps in some cases connivance, has led to under-trial prisoners being targeted by vengeful elements on the court premises. Where the charge involves religion, there is a greater need for the police to be vigilant when escorting the accused to or from court, given the kind of fury that allegations of blasphemy unleash…. Such cases are a reminder of how allegations of blasphemy can be used to incite jungle justice and mob violence that often mask the real motives behind the targeting of individuals. The motives can range from the settling of personal scores to property disputes…The result is the creation of an atmosphere of fear and violent mistrust that could lead to the targeting of more members of the Christian community… Arrests under Section 295-C of the PPC for allegations of blasphemy illustrates the dangers inherent in a law that lends itself to misuse. The blasphemy law is rightly criticized for the manner in which it can be abused. We must also note that it helps foster a societal mindset of jungle justice where individuals feel that it is right to take the law into their own hands. The blasphemy law must be repealed.”

UCAN News reports that Pakistani Christians have been urged by Christian leaders to remain restrained and peaceful, and to show respect to other religions, even in the face of continuous attacks. UCAN News reports “Dominican Father Pascal Paulus told parishioners at Holy Rosary Church at Mass on July 18. ‘Respect Islam and try to be tolerant and peaceful,’ the priest said after the church was stoned on July 10 by a crowd of 100 angry Muslims carrying sticks and glass bottles.”

Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) sends it sympathies to yet another violent attack on a religious minority group in Pakistan, and urges the Pakistan people to take these atrocities seriously.

To those who believe religious freedom and freedom of worship are at a majority group’s choice, we point out once again how such atrocities against human rights clearly demonstrate the necessity of such fundamental basic UNIVERSAL human rights for everyone. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for all people. R.E.A.L. rejects hatred and rejects the activities of those who seek to promote hatred and violence towards identity groups and specific religions.

Choose Love, Not Hate. Love Wins.

Pakistan Christian Post reports: “73 years old Pakistani Christian arrested under blasphemy after dialogue on religion”

“Faisalabad: June 25, 2010. (PCP) A 73 year old Christian named Rehmat Masih son of Barkat Masih resident of village Jandwali Chak # 165/RB, Teshil Jhumra, District Faisalabad has been charged under blasphemy law vide FIR # 321 dated 19th June 2010, under section 295-C of Pakistan Penal Code with Police Station Jhumra, for making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad and his wife Hazrat Khadija. He was arrested from his residence on the same day and presently he is behind the bars in District Jail Faisalabad. He will be reappeared before Magistrate Muhammad Sajawal on 4th July 2010 for complete challan. It is learned that the charge is clearly based on false allegations due to some land dispute between the accuser Sajid Hameed and the Christian community. This case of land dispute is still pending before civil courts. The overall law and order situation in the said area is clam and no unpleasant incident is happened till now, but Christian residents are fearful due to attacks by Muslim mob on Christian settlements as taken place in the history of Pakistan after such blasphemy incidents. ”

Background and Detail of the Incident:

“According to local sources, Dr. Palus (one of the relative of Rehmat Masih) told to NCJP’s coordinator Shahid Anwar that dates back in April 2010, Rehmat Masih had some serious discussion over religion with some Muslims of his village. Both the parties exchanged remarks in favour of each other’s faith. At that time, no untoward incident took place but after the silence of two months, this matter was brought into light again in June by some Muslims of the village namely Sajid Hameed (Accuser), Shahbaz Khalid, Afzaal Bashir. On 10th June, they spread rumors in the locality that Rehmat Masih has committed blasphemy by passing remarks against the Prophet Muhammad. After hearing the news of blasphemy, a Muslim delegation came to Dr. Palus and complaint against Rehmat Masih for his sacrilegious act. Dr. Palus told them to calm down and to reconcile the matter peacefully. ”

“On 19th June, the police of Chak Jhumra arrested Rehmat Masih (accused) from his residence on the complaint of Sajid Hameed for disgracing Prophet Muhammad. On 20th June, police presented him before Magistrate Muhammad Sajawal and sent him to the lockup on judicial remand. ”

“On 23rd June 2010, Shahid Anwar (Coordinator-National Commission of Justice and Peace) visited Rehmat Masih (accused) in District Jail, and collected some facts regarding the incident. During the interview in jail, Rehmat Masih stated that while he was on his duty two months ago, some Muslims namely Muhammad Amir, Akbar Ali and Ashgar Ali came to him and started asking questions about Christianity. Muhammad Amir asked Rehmat Masih about Hazrat Mariam (mother Mary, mother of Jesus), but in reply, Rehmat Masih asked Muhammad Amir about Hazrat Khadija (wife of Prophet Mohammad). They exchanged arguments with each other and then moved to their homes peacefully. ”

“Dr. Palus also added that complainant Sajid Hameed has falsely implicated Rehmat Masih in this case, because he has some interpersonal and land dispute with Christian community. It is also learned that Shahbaz Khalid and Afzaal Bashir who are named in the FIR as witness, has political differences with Rehmat Masih, therefore they are trying to involve Rehmat Masih in the fabricated case in order to take political revenge.”

Maldives: Arrested Man “Reverts” to Islam — After Govt “Islamic Counseling” in Police Custody

In the Maldives, Mohamed Nazim has announced his “reversion” to Islam, after being taken into police custody after publicly announcing that he was not a Muslim on May 28, 2010. As reported in our previous posting “Maldives: Man Attacked, Threatened with Death, for Freedom of Conscience,” Mohamed Nazim had announced that he was not a Muslim at a lecture by Zakir Naik (who widely calls for the death penalty for “apostates”), and then was promptly taken into police custody and given “counseling” by the Maldives government Islamic Ministry. Mohamed Nazim made his public “reversion” to Islam at the Maldives government Islamic Ministry before journalists invited by the Islamic Ministry.

Mohamed Nazim was brought before Maldivian media to make a statement to the press about his “reversion” to Islam, while the police are still deciding whether or not to bring criminal charges against Mohamed Nazim for choosing his freedom of conscience.

A Maldivian lawyer previously told the Maldives press that Mohamed Nazim had to be given such government “Islamic counseling” before capital punishment charges were considered against Mohamed Nazim for “apostasy.”

Haveeru News stated that: “Mohamed Nazim, 38, repented and gave the ‘Shahaadha’ testimony before journalists at the Islamic Ministry Tuesday with a public apology.” It quoted Mohamed Nazim as stating “And as that action was very much related to the feelings of all Maldivians, I believe that it was an agony for the Maldivian people. I deeply apologize for that to all the Maldivians. Along with that, I would like to say that the major misconceptions I had regarding Islam have been clarified. Therefore, I am now a Muslim. I want Maldivians to accept me as a Maldivian and as a child of this community.”

Maldives: While in Police Custody and Given Government "Islamic Counseling," Mohamed Nazim "Reverts" to Islam

The Maldives Deputy Minister for Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Farooq told Haveeru News that Mohamed Nazim reverted to Islam “on freewill” (while in police custody).

The Minivan News also reported on the “reversion” of Mohamed Nazim while in police custody. The Minivan News further reported that the Maldivian NGO the “Islamic Foundation” leader Jammiyyathu Salaf Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed stated that there were “many people trying to introduce other religions to the Maldives underground” and that he would “release the names of these underground people at the appropriate time.”

On May 13, 2010, the Maldives was elected to be part of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The Maldives constitution mandates that all citizens of Maldives must be Muslims. A December 2009 study showed the Maldives (with a 99 percent literacy rate) to be in the top 5 percent of the worst nations for religious freedom. It is a nation that has been building its criminal law based on Sharia law, and whose Parliament bans non-Islamic houses of worship. There have been repeated reports on Maldives government publicly whipping of women and the Maldives is in the bottom rankings of nations with a global gender gap.

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) promotes freedom of religion and freedom of conscience as our unqualified, universal human rights. We challenge those who deny such universal human rights, including the right to change one’s religion as defined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Article 18 of the UDHR reads: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

Maldives: Man Attacked, Threatened with Death, for Freedom of Conscience

In the Muslim-majority nation of Maldives, a man stunned an audience during questions and answers period in a lecture given by an Islamic cleric, by stating that he had chosen freedom of conscience not to follow Islam. The man, Mohamed Nazim, was promptly attacked, taken into custody, and has been threatened with death and beheading, or other punishments for choosing his freedom of conscience. Maldives media are reporting that it is the first time in many hundreds of years that a Maldivian has publicly renounced Islam, since Sultan King Hassan IX converted to Christianity in 1552 and was deposed.

The Maldives is also a nation that, on May 13, 2010, was elected to be part of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The Haveeru newspaper reported that Mohamed Nazim came up to ask a question of Islamic cleric Zakir Naik, stating “Dr Zakir Naik. I am a Maldivian. I am still struggling to believe in religion. That is why I just came to the front of this row. I was born a Maldivian. My parents taught me the religion of Islam. They are good practitioners, actually. I read a lot of books. I have read the translation of Quran. Yet, I still do not believe in a religion. So what do you say, [about] my verdict in Islam?”

Mohamed Nazim (left/standing), who declared his atheist status to the public, questions Dr Zakir Naik during the Q&A session. (Photo: Maldives Haveeru Newspaper)

Islamic cleric Zakir Naik asked “are you a Muslim?” and Mohamed Nazim replied “I am not.” Zakir Naik has a long history of calling for the death penalty for “apostates” in both Muslim majority nations and other parts of the world.

The Haveeru newspaper reported that Zakir Naik responded by stating: “according to Prophetic traditions, every child is born as a Muslim and that a Muslim is one who submits his/her will to God. In Islam, death penalty should not necessarily be evoked on every person who leaves Islam, but to those who propagate the non-Islamic faith and speak against Islam, he added.”

The Haveeru newspaper report states that his question “sparked comments of hatred from an angry crowd of around 11,000 with many calling to kill him and attack him, while Naik was answering the question. Several people rushed towards Nazim, who was sitting at a back row after moving away from the microphone, as an official of the Islamic Ministry tried to escort him out. Police, however, came between Nazim and the crowd and escorted him into custody.” The Haveeru newspaper report also stated that a crowed gathered outside the police station and demanded that Mohamed Nazim be handed over to the crowd. The Haveeru newspaper report stated that “They shouted anti-atheism slogans and called for Nazim’s beheading.”

In a separate report, the Haveeru newspaper stated that Maldives Islamic Ministry would arrange for religious “counseling” for Mohamed Nazim while he is in custody.

Another report by the Haveeru newspaper stated how Maldives lawyers felt that Mohamed Nazim deserved such counseling before receiving the death penalty or other punishments, stating that: “While some local lawyers claim Nazim is eligible for punishment both by Maldives laws and Islamic Shari’a, others argue only Shari’a could be evoked on him. Mohamed Ibrahim Waheed, a defense lawyer said Nazim must first be counseled giving him the chance to repent before considering capital punishment. ‘First, he should be counseled. If he does not take the advice and repent, the penalty stated in Shari’a should be evoked on him. According to Shari’a, the punishment for apostasy is death,’ he said. Waheed further argued that Nazim could be charged under the Religious Unity Act, for disrupting the religious unity of the country. A state prosecutor who wished to remain anonymous said Nazim could be prosecuted for legal disobedience.”

The Maldives newspaper Minivan News reports that a Maldives Islamic group is calling for the death of Mohamed Nazim. Minivan News reports that “The Islamic Foundation has called for self-declared apostate Mohamed Nazim to be stripped of his citizenship and sentenced to death if he does not repent and return to Islam…Today the Islamic Foundation of the Maldives issued a press statement calling on judges to give Nazim the opportunity to repent ‘and if he does not, then sentence him to death as Islamic law and Maldivian law agree.’ ”The Islamic Foundation believes that the person who announces apostasy should be punished according to Islamic laws,’ the NGO said, warning that Nazim represented ‘a disturbance to the religious views and the religious bonds that exist with Maldivians.’ ‘Hereby if this man does not do his penance and come back to the Islamic religion, the Islamic Foundation of the Maldives calls to take the citizenship away from this man as mentioned in the Maldivian constitution.’ If case crossed into areas not covered by the laws of the country, ‘then the judges should rely on Islamic law,’ the NGO stated, as per article 142 of constitution which says judiciary shall look into Islamic shar’ia on matters not covered in law, and sentence accordingly.” Malaysian Miadhu news also reported on such calls for the death of Mohamed Nazim in their story “Islamic Foundation calls on death sentence for Nazim, if not repented “

According to the constitution of Maldives, “The judges are independent, and subject only to the constitution and the law. When deciding matters on which the Constitution or the law is silent, judges must consider Islamic Shari’ah.”

The speaker at the Maldives event that Mohamed Nazim attended, Zakir Naik, has a long history of calling for violence against those who choose their universal human right of freedom of conscience and leave Islam. Religious extremist Zakir Naik has repeatedly called for denying human beings their universal human rights of freedom of conscience, calling those who leave Islam as “traitors.” The London Times has quoted Zakir Naik as stating that “People who change their religion should face the death penalty.”

In a widely broadcast video, Zakir Naik has called for the death penalty for those who leave Islam and promote another religion as “apostates.” In the broadcast, Zakir Naik states “if a Muslim becomes a non-Muslim and propagates his/her new religion, then it is as good as treason. There is a ‘death penalty’ in Islam for such a person. In many countries, the punishment for treason is also death. If an army general discloses his army’s secrets to another country, then there is a ‘death penalty’ or life imprisonment for such a person according to the laws of most of the countries. In the broadcast, Zakir Naik also states that the death penalty for leaving Islam (“apostasy”) should also apply to “non-Muslim countries.” Zakir Naik also challenges other “Islamic scholars” who believe in such death penalty for “apostates” to extend such defiance of religious freedom not just to Muslim majority nations, but to the entire world. Zakir Naik states “If these scholars are really righteous people then they must welcome their own principle (of death for apostates) in the non-Muslim countries as well.”

Zakir Naik has also reportedly stated that women must cover themselves, and reject “revealing Western dress,” or they are “susceptible to rape.” Zakir Naik is infamously known for his defense of Osama Bin Laden and stating that “every Muslim should be a terrorist.”

Zakir Naik has recently been given permission to give a tour and speak on his interpretation of Islam throughout the United Kingdom.

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Article 18 of the UDHR reads: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

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Media Reports:

Haveeru: Maldivian renounces Islam, gets attacked by Zakir Naik audience

Haveeru: Islamic Ministry to counsel Maldivian who renounced Islam

Haveeru: What will happen to the Maldivian who renounced Islam?

Minivan News: Islamic Foundation calls for death sentence if apostate fails to repent

Miadhu: Islamic Foundation calls on death sentence for Nazim, if not repented

Miadhu: Dr. Zakir Naik Confirmed to lecture in the Maldives

London Times: “Muslim preacher of hate is let into Britain” — Zakir Naik

R.E.A.L. Maldives Reports:

Maldives: Man Attacked, Threatened with Death, for Freedom of Conscience

Maldives: English Teacher Deported for “Anti-Islamic” Passage

Maldives asks Germany for help with Sharia law

70 Percent of Humanity Lives in Countries with High Religious Restrictions – 70 Percent of the Worst Countries are OIC Nations

Maldives Parliament Plans Ban on Non-Islamic Houses of Worship

World Gender Gap Worst in Islamic Nations

Maldives one of many nations rejects International Children’s rights, because of Sharia

Maldives: Adhaalath calls for sharia law punishments in penal code

Maldives Government Creating New Sharia Code — Parliament Members Decry Lack of Sharia-Based Death Penalty

Maldives: 150 Muslim women face adultery flogging on Maldives

Maldives: Woman gets 100 lashes in public, house arrest in Sharia punishment — govt says Maldives too “squeamish” for other Sharia penalties

Zakir Naik Background:

YouTube: Death Penalty for Apostates! (Dr. Zakir Naik) — alternative video link

YouTube: Every Muslim Should be a Terrorist – Mullah Zakir Naik

YouTube: “Spreading Hatred.. Dr Zakir Naik on loose”

Muslim Rebuttals to Zakir Naik
— Zakir Naik

October 10, 2008 – MEMRI: “Indian Muslim Cleric Zakir Naik: 9/11 Was Carried Out by George Bush Himself”

Indonesia: Jakarta, Constitutional Court: blasphemy law is legitimate

Indonesia under fire for upholding scripture over rights

Pakistani Christians demand to repeal blasphemy law and voting rights neglected in proposed 18th Amendment

Pakistan Christian Post reports:

Pakistani Christians demand to repeal blasphemy law and voting rights neglected in proposed 18th Amendment

Philadelphia, USA: April 2, 2010. (PCP) Dr. Nazir S Bhatti, President of Pakistan Christian Congress PCC said that Muslims parties have again stabbed at back of 20 million Pakistani Christians by not repealing Blasphemy Law and awarding Dual Voting rights in proposed 18th amendment in constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The Constitutional Reform Committee comprising of parliamentarians of Pakistan Peoples Party PPP. Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N), Pakistan Muslim League Quaid PML(Q), Muthida Qaumi Movement MQM, Awami National Party ANP, Jiamiat Ulma-e-Islam JUI(F), Pakistan Peoples Party Sherpao PPP(S) and others presented the draft legislation in reform of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan here today.

According to sources close to PCP, it was learnt that Constitutional Reform Committee members agreed to amend Artcle 52-B which empowers President of Pakistan to dissolve Parliament and nominate Chief of Staff of Armed Forces of Pakistan, Renaming of NWFP, Article 6 shall be made more forceful, Governors shall be appointed from same provinces and Senate seats shall be 104 instead of 100. The four seats shall be allocated for minorities from four provinces.

There was no representation to minorities in Constitutional Reform Committee but Chairman of Standing Committee told media that minority parliamentarians were consulted and their recommendations were given due consideration.

The 20 million Pakistani Christians have demanded on every forum to repeal blasphemy law and direct voting right to elect their parliamentarians by their votes but both demands were neglected by Constitutional Reform Committee.

Nazir Bhatti said “The long list of amendments proposed and passed by Reform Committee fall short to Christians demands”

“ Senator Raza Rabbani, Chairman of Constitutional Reform Committee statement that minorities were consulted need clarification that weather Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities submitted revision in blasphemy law to committee as he is claiming since 2009 or not” said Nazir Bhatti

Dr. Bhatti said that allocation of 4 seats in Senate of Pakistan under Joint Electorate which empowers Muslim political parties to nominate and select their favorites from minorities shall be only benefit to Muslims groups who shall add these senators to their numbers in Senate of Pakistan.

“Muslim political groups have neglected Christian demands which is not good sign for democracy in Pakistan because safeguard of minority rights is first step to democratic system“ added Nazir Bhatti

Pakistan Christian Congress PCC demands to repeal blasphemy law and right to elect Christian representation in democratic institution and urges Christian members of National Assembly to raise their voice in house during debate on 18th amendment for legislation.

Indonesia: Government Defends Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law

Jakarta Globe: Indonesia’s Religion Minister Defends Indonesia’s Blasphemy Law
— Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali: “The consequences [if the law is annulled] are that people, figures, could establish new religions, declare new prophets, new angels”

Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali Defends Blasphemy Law

Jakarta Globe: "Culture expert Taufiq Ismail testifying during a hearing on the Blasphemy Law at the Constitutional Court on Wednesday." (JG Photo/Safir Makki)