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Pakistan: Demand the overturning of death sentences in blasphemy cases

Source: 
The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU)
Dr Shaikh has been in prison since October 2000. The death sentence, mandatory under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, was pronounced against him on 18 August 2001, and he has been in a death cell since then, with little personal contact with the outside world.
The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) continue with their protest and thousands have signed petitions in his support; several national governments were beginning to take an official stance about Dr. Shaikh - but the events of 11 September resulted in his case being eclipsed. They state that Dr. Shaikh must not be abandoned: his case is symbolic and even more important since the events of 11 September. Dr. Shaikh's case can be the focus for the international efforts to reform or eliminate Pakistan's blasphemy laws but there are hundreds of others languishing in prison on charges of blasphemy in that country: Christians, Ahmadis and other religious minorities. All of them will benefit from the campaign.
Website Link: 
http://iheu.org/Shaikh/sentence.html
Submitted on Tue, 01/30/2001 - 00:00
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