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_WORLD WATCH______________________________
_____________________PAKISTAN____________________
Blasphemy-law crackdown
50 people facing charges
Father Arnold Heredia and a Catholic layman, Alsam Martin, were among about 50 protestors detained on January 10 for taking part in a demonstration against Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy laws. The demonstration was organized by the All Faiths Spiritual Movement in Karachi.
At least 600 people staged a peaceful march through the city to protest the country’s controversial blasphemy laws, which impose the death penalty on anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or its prophet Mohammed. Police intervened with tear gas, and 50 persons were arrested. Father Heredia has served in human-rights organizations for over two decades and is a widely known figure in Karachi. The local Catholic Church and several civil associations demanded the immediate release of the protesters.
The National Justice and Peace Commission (NJPC) expressed deep concern over the use of force against peaceful marchers. “The act of the administration is gruesome and unjustified because the march was peaceful and the people were only exercising their constitutional rights of expression,” the NJPC said. “We reiterate our support for building a Pakistan free of sectarianism and violence,” the statement continued. “However if the nation is to make any progress, it is imperative to do away with all discriminatory laws, including blasphemy laws and separate electorates.” Since 1985 citizens have elected members of parliament on the basis of religion.
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