Blasphemy Law In Pakistan
The Pakistan Penal Code prohibits blasphemy against any recognised religion, providing penalties ranging from a fine to death. An accusation of blasphemy commonly subjects the accused, police, lawyers, and judges to harassment, threats, and attacks. An accusation is sometimes the prelude to vigilantism and rioting.
Calls for change in the blasphemy laws have been strongly resisted by Islamic parties.
Prominent figures like Salman Taseer (the former governor of Punjab) and Shahbaz Bhatti (the Federal Minister for Minorities) have been assassinated for their opposition to the blasphemy laws.
Read more about Blasphemy Law In Pakistan: The Constitution, The Blasphemy Laws, Sharia, Vigilantism, United Nations, Internet Censorship, Selected Cases
Famous quotes containing the words blasphemy and/or law:
“All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”
—Bible: New Testament Matthew 12:31.
“Well, I always say the law was meant to be interpreted in a lenient manner. And that’s what I try to do, is sometimes I lean to one side of it, sometimes I lean to the other.”
—Irving Ravetch (b. 1920)