The Lahore High Court has rejected the appeal of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy

The Lahore High Court has rejected the appeal of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy. On 16 Oct 2014 the court refused to overturn her conviction for having allegedly made derogatory comments about Muhammad while arguing with a Muslim neighbor. The Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), an inter-denominational organization working for persecuted Christians in Pakistan, reported the 30 spectators’ seat at the court were taken by “around 25” mullahs “to apply pressure and push for the sentence … to be upheld. Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, stated: “While the rest of the world condemns such draconian laws, Pakistan continues to persecute its minorities simply because of their religion. I have to now remain hopeful that the Supreme Court judges will look at the case objectively and allow the final appeal, eventually acquitting Asia.” Her lawyers are to submit her case to Pakistan’s Supreme Court for review within the next 30 days.