Friday, March 11, 2011

Martyr in waiting needs your prayers

On November 26th Walt told you about the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian woman convicted of blasphemy under the Sharia law of Pakistan.

She was spared from death only through the protests of Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti, both martyred just a few days ago, and a few other brave souls who dared to stand up for their faith and for religious freedom against Muslim extremists bound on exterminating all Christians.

Now Ms Bibi -- who is still facing a sentence of death -- has given an interview in which she speaks of her "pain and concern" following the death of Mr Bhatti, a Catholic cabinet minister who had sought to amend the blasphemy laws.

In the article on the UCANews website, Ms Bibi says she is still afraid that she could be the next target of violent Islamic groups. Posters have appeared inside the jail showing images of Taseer and Bhatti with a large question mark and the threatening phrase “Who will be next?”

Although the Pakistani government has been under pressure to show clemency in her case, Muslim militants have announced that they will kill her if she is freed. They are reportedly planning a "million Muslim march" in support of the anti-Christian blasphemy laws. Click here for details from Winds of Jihad.

According to her lawyer, Ms Bibi says that part of her hope died with Bhatti, but there are other things that give her hope: visits from her children, and the support of all Christians in Pakistan and around the world.

Please keep Asia Bibi and all Christians persecuted in Muslim countries -- not forgetting "secular" India -- in your prayers.

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