Asia Bibi

A wife, mother of five, farm-laborer, and the first woman in Pakistan to be sentenced to death for blasphemy on November 7, 2010, after spending a year and a half in jail. The accusations arose from a dispute among co-workers, and despite a lengthy trial, Asia Bibi has yet had the opportunity to defend herself or make any statement in court.

In the wake of this, the governor of Punjab Province, Salmaan Taseer, was murdered—allegedly by his own bodyguard—after speaking out on behalf of Asia Bibi and against the extreme blasphemy laws in Pakistan.

It is time to encourage leaders in Pakistan not to be bullied by extreme factions within their own constituency and to do what is right.

Write to:

President Asif Ali Zardari
President's Secretariat
Islamabad
PAKISTAN
  • Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mrs. Asia Bibi, whose only crime is her religious faith
  • Encourage the president to continue to be a voice for moderation in his country, to not succumb to the bullying tactics of extreme factions, and to do all in his power to protect the lives and rights of all citizens

For more information on Asia Bibi's situation, ways to encourage her, and ways to advocate, visit: prisoneralert.com and click on Asia Bibi's profile.

Also visit Amnesty International's informative page on Asia Bibi and minorities in Pakistan in general here.