ICC Note:

A 24-hour prayer rally has been called for to support Asia Bibi, a Christian woman on death row for allegedly committing blasphemy in Pakistan. Next week, the Pakistani Supreme Court will hear Bibi’s final appeal, representing the Christian’s last chance to avoid the death sentence. Radicals in Pakistan have been calling for Bibi to be put to death even though the evidence against her is flimsy at best. Will Pakistan hear Bibi’s appeal on the merits or will Pakistan once again give in to pressure from radicals? 

10/06/2016 Pakistan (Christian Post) – A persecution watchdog group is organizing a 24-hour prayer rally for Asia Bibi, the Christian mother of five who’s facing the death penalty in Pakistan for blasphemy, and warns that hard-liner Islamists could lash out violently against Christians after next week’s hearing.

The Pakistani Supreme court announced on Friday that Bibi’s appeal will take place on Thursday, Oct. 13 in Islamabad, which is expected to decide whether the Christian mother will escape the death penalty, or become the first woman in Pakistan to face such an extreme punishment for blasphemy.

Bibi was originally sentenced to death after an argument with Muslim co-workers back in June 2009, in which she was accused of insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad, though she denies the charge.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which has been keeping track of Bibi’s case, is calling on Christians to take part in a 24 hour prayer rally for the Christian mother on Wednesday, the day before her appeal is heard.

CSW Senior Press Officer Kiri Kankhwende told The Christian Post in an interview that Christians in Pakistan are facing a possible backlash from radical Islamists regardless of what the Supreme Court decides.

“Unfortunately, when a non-Muslim is accused of blasphemy, their entire community is vulnerable to attack and Asia Bibi’s case is no different. Our contacts on the ground have cautioned that there may be some backlash from hard-liner Islamist groups, as they have consistently called for Asia Bibi’s execution,” Kankhwende told CP.

“We hope for an acquittal in her case and we pray that there will be no reprisals against her, her family or the Christian community, but any situation that involves an accusation of blasphemy is highly dangerous for all involved. It’s vital that we pray,” she added.

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