British man sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 January 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, British man sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy, 24 January 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5331447412.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 24, 2014
A Pakistani court has sentenced a British national of Pakistani origin to death for blasphemy for claiming he was a prophet of Islam.
Mohammad Asghar was arrested in 2010 in the city of Rawalpindi after he wrote letters claiming he was a prophet.
The court on January 23 rejected defense claims that the 65-year-old had mental-health problems.
Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan and is punishable by death.
Rights groups say the tough blasphemy laws are frequently used to settle personal scores and have demanded their repeal.
In 2012, Rimsha Masih, a young Christian girl, was arrested for alleged blasphemy in Islamabad in a case that provoked international concern.
The charges against her were eventually thrown out and she fled to Canada with her family.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
