Pakistan: Taliban-linked cleric offers $5,800 reward for anyone who kills Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi

A hardline, pro-Taliban Pakistani Muslim cleric Friday offered a reward for anyone who kills a Christian woman sentenced to death by a court on charges of insulting Islam.

The sentence against Asia Bibi has renewed debate about Pakistan’s blasphemy law which critics say is used to persecute religious minorities, fan religious extremism and settle personal scores. Non-Muslim minorities account roughly 4 percent of Pakistan’s about 170 million population.

Maulana Yousef Qureshi, the imam of a major mosque in the northwestern city of Peshawar, offered a $5,800 (3,700 pounds) reward and warned the government against any move to abolish or change the blasphemy law.

“We will strongly resist any attempt to repeal laws which provide protection to the sanctity of Holy Prophet Mohammad,” Qureshi told a rally of hardline Islamists.

“Anyone who kills Asia will be given 500,000 rupees in reward from Masjid Mohabat Khan,” he said referring to his mosque.

via Hardline Pakistan cleric offers reward to kill Christian woman – The West Australian.

Background:

1. Pakistan: Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy.
2. Pakistan: your signature to save Asia Bibi.
3. Asia Bibi: Pope appeals for “full freedom“.
4. Pakistan: Asia Bibi NOT pardoned, protests are announced in case she is.
5. Pakistan: Both Minister of Minorities and Punjab Governor threatened by Islamists over Asia Bibi’s release.

Found here.

Cross-posted in T&P.