Saturday, February 07, 2009

Pakistani man faces blasphemy charges over text message

http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=3805

[Religious Intelligence] 7 Feb 2009--More than 100 protestors last week surrounded a Pakistani courthouse and chanted death threats against a Punjabi Christian said to be framed for sending “blasphemous” a text message on his cell phone.

Last month the new Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari, said his government would look at abolishing the law. Critics say that while it is a serious crime in the country, it is not clear what constitutes blasphemy. And cases can be brought on the basis of hearsay. Many non-Muslims have found themselves at risk because of the law.

According to Compass News Direct, in the latest case crowds gathered at the trial hearing of 51-year-old Hector Aleem in Rawalpindi.

His attorney, Malik Tafik, told Compass that a local man allegedly framed Aleem for the charges because Aleem has made legal challenges on behalf of Christians involved in a land dispute. Aleem directs a small agency that often defends the rights of Christians.

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