ICC Note:

Christians how held a candle light vigil for Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death under Pakistan notorious blasphemy laws, were recently threatened by masked men for supporting Bibi. According to the threatened Christians, the masked men threatened them with “dire consequences” if they continued to show public support for Bibi. Bibi’s Supreme Court appeal has become a lighting rod in Pakistan causing many of Pakistan’s radicals to publicly call for the Christian woman’s death. Unfortunately, it seems that even those acting in support of Bibi are falling into the cross hairs of the radicals as well. 

10/20/2016 Pakistan (Christian in Pakistan) – Christians who held candle light vigil for Asia Bibi faced precariously landed into trouble when unidentified masked men intercepted them and threatened them of dire consequences. The victims include Advocate Sooba Bhatti, Bishop Younus Gill and two other Christians. The gunmen threatened them to stop propagating for Asia Bibi’s release.

While narrating the incident, Advocate Sooba Bhatti stated he and his companion were intercepted when they were returning from the Hari Camp, Kotri in District Jamshoro after holding prayers and candle vigil for safety and release of Asia Bibi. The gunmen threatened these Christians and warned them, not to hold rallies.

They were further warned not to campaign for release of Asia Bibi or else they will have to face consequences. The gunmen cautioned them that if they do not cease to campaign for Asia Bibi, they and their families will be have to pay for it. Seeing other people on the road, the gunmen fled, while Advocate Sooba Bhatti and Bishop Younus Gill approached the local police station and reported the incident. Consequently, they moved an application seeking protection in the thick of looming threats and dangers to their lives.

In this regard, Advocate Sooba Bhatti stated: “A prayer and candle light vigil was held for Asia Bibi calling for her freedom. This event was organized by the Society for Human Awareness, Development & Empowerment (SHADE) and United Baptist Church of Pakistan (Hyderabad) on 16 October at Hari camp Kotri District Jamshoro. Christians from every walk of life participated in the vigil to honor the steadfastness of the Christian respondent who has been on death row since 2010.

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