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UN Urges End to Blasphemy Death Penalty in 11 Nations Including Pakistan

A representative from Jubilee Campaign addressed the UN Human Rights Council, calling for the repeal of anti-apostasy and anti-blasphemy laws in 11 countries that impose the death penalty for such offenses. She cited the case of Maryam Ibrahim from Sudan, who was imprisoned, sentenced to death, and tortured for apostasy. The appeal included a call for the release of specific religious prisoners of conscience, including Shagufta Kiran in Pakistan. Critics argue these laws are frequently misused against minority groups and for personal vendettas.

Key Points: UN Calls for Repeal of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan, 10 Others

  • UN rep calls for repeal of blasphemy laws
  • 11 countries sanction death penalty
  • Highlights case of Maryam Ibrahim
  • Calls for release of prisoners like Shagufta Kiran
  • Critics say laws misused to settle scores
3 min read

UN representative calls for repeal of anti blasphemy laws in 11 countries including Pakistan

A UN representative urges the repeal of anti-apostasy and anti-blasphemy laws in 11 countries, highlighting cases of torture and imprisonment.

"Release all religious prisoners of conscience - Hulda Fahmi"

Vienna, March 4

Jubilee Campaign representative Hulda Fahmi, during the 61st UNHRC session in an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Torture, urged the Council to prioritise the repeal of dehumanising anti-apostasy and anti-blasphemy laws, including in the 11 countries that sanction the death penalty for real or perceived apostasy or blasphemy.

The representative also called for the release of all religious prisoners of conscience, including Christian mother Shagufta Kiran in Pakistan.

"Thank you Madam Vice President, thank you to the Special Rapporteur for her work and this excellent report. Survivor stories have a lot to teach us. 2014, Sudanese authorities imprisoned and sentenced Maryam Ibrahim to death for apostasy from Islam and 100 lashes for adultery since they considered her marriage to a Christian man null and void," she said.

"During her detention, authorities physically and psychologically tortured her for choosing to live according to her conscience," she added.

She further said that authorities would also punished her for marrying a Christian man during her pregnancy.

"Authorities would also directly punish her for what happened during a court hearing. She writes, she questioned them and said, if I'm a Muslim girl, why can't I marry Christian man? When I get into a conversation like that with the judge, I end up being punished. They chained my hands behind my back, even if I'm pregnant and I have to take care of my son. They chained my hands behind my back for three days when I asked questions. So it was a very challenging time, was a very hard experience," she said.

She emphasised how blasphemy laws were used to impose dehumanising conditions.

"Today there are people being detained under dehumanizing conditions for exercising their freedom of conscience and belief. Jubilee Campaign urges the Human Rights Council to prioritize the repeal of the dehumanizing anti-apostasy, anti-blasphemy laws, including the 11 countries which sanction the death penalty for real or perceived apostasy or blasphemy. Release all religious prisoners of conscience, including Sufi singer Yahya Sharif Aminu in Nigeria, Christian Mother Shagufta Kiran in Pakistan, Dia in Libya, Ewing Budap in Vietnam, Said Abdul Razak," she said.

Critics say the blasphemy law is often misused against Pakistan's tiny minority groups and even against Muslims to settle personal scores, Al Jazeera reported.

The law says that any "derogatory remarks, etc, in respect of the Holy Prophet [Muhammad] either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation, directly or indirectly shall be punished with death, or imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine," as quoted by Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support freedom of conscience, the UN must also respect the sovereignty and cultural/religious sentiments of nations. Repealing laws is an internal matter. The focus should be on preventing misuse, not outright removal.
A
Aman W
Chaining a pregnant woman for asking a question? This is pure torture, not justice. India has its challenges, but thank God we have a secular constitution that protects freedom of religion. These laws are medieval.
S
Sarah B
The misuse to settle personal scores is the most dangerous part. It creates a culture of fear and vigilante justice. Protecting minorities is a cornerstone of any democracy. Hope the international pressure helps.
V
Vikram M
It's high time. We in South Asia have seen how these laws destabilize society. The call to release prisoners of conscience like Shagufta Kiran is crucial. Freedom of belief is a basic human right, full stop.
K
Karthik V
A balanced view is needed. While no one supports torture, the UN often applies selective outrage. There are human rights issues everywhere. The dialogue should be constructive, not just a naming-and-shaming session against specific countries.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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