Asia Bibi the innocent mother of 5 who has been handed a death sentence for proclaiming her faith.
This morning our Pakistan delegate Juliet Chowdhry spoke with both Sohail Johnson of Release International and Ashiq Masih (husband of Asia Bibi). The two of them seemed in good mood and are grateful for the support that the international community of all faiths is showing to Asia and her family.
A former Session Court Judge (who’s name we will not publish) is taking up the case and is confident that he will be able to revert the decision.
In the meanwhile the BPCA has been in dialogue with Amnesty International and their Afghanistan and Pakistan Officer is looking to draw up a statement on their position regarding the tragedy.
We have also been conferring with Rubab Mehdi Rizvi a British Pakistani Lawyer who has been appointed as Spokesperson/Chief Co-ordinator for the Ministry of Human Rights and is responsible for reviewing situations such as Asia Bibi’s case. Ms Rizvi has been very proactive and has agreed to endorse a letter that we will be sending to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Interior, Chief Justice and Ministry of Justice – asking for a repeal of the recent court ruling that has placed the life of Asia Bibi in danger.
Ms Rizvi has also offered the free services of top barrister’s in the UK and Pakistan to help in a supporting role to the existing legal representative, or to take on the case if required. We have spoken with Sohail and Ashiq about the offer and have cascaded contact details to Ms Rizvi for her to ascertain the direction the family would like to take.
In the meanwhile we have initiated a “Justice for Asia Bibi” relief fund and hope to raise around £3000 to present to the Family of Asia Bibi. The money will go towards the cost of the Court fine imposed which is close to £800, legal costs to fight the case and will also provide compensation to the family who have lost the much needed income form the previous employment of Asia Bibi.
If you would like to donate you can send any cheques to:
Justice for Asia Bibi
British Pakistani Christian Association
57 Green Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG1 1XG
Please make all cheques payable to:
British Pakistani Christian Association
Alternatively you can pay directly into our account:
Sort Code: 20: 67 : 90
Account no: 63468976
Ref: Justice for Asia Bibi
Please write letters fo support directly to Asia Bibi using the following address:
Asia Bibi
District Jail
Sheikhupura
Punjab
Pakistan
