And the Christian pastor who has visited Asia Bibi in prison has received death threats. Islamic Tolerance Alert from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan: “ASIA/PAKISTAN – Islamic radicals: a Christmas protest against Asia Bibi, for ‘the honour of the Prophet,'” from Agenzia Fides, December 16 (thanks to Twostellas):
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – It promises to be a difficult Christmas for the Christian community in Pakistan. An alliance among radical Islamic groups – which includes religious parties, Islamic movements, organizations allied with terrorist groups – has called a large mass national demonstration entitled Namos-e-risalat, that is, defending the honour of the Prophet Muhammad on 24 December, after Friday prayers, to say “no” to the release of Asia Bibi and any changes to the blasphemy law. The alliance has called on the “ummah” (Islamic community) in all the world, demanding universal support in the defence of the Prophet. Moreover, the radical leaders say: “Asia Bibi is a blasphemous woman and should be repudiated by Christians. Anyone who defends her, an ordinary citizen, politician or Minister, is guilty of blasphemy along with her.”
Local sources speaking to Fides referred to the fear that the initiative, obviously provocative, may degenerate into open violence and attacks against Christians. The Commission for Justice and Peace of the Bishops of Pakistan expressed to Fides “great concern at the increasing tension, at the possible outcomes of the protest and the situation in which religious minorities may be, especially Christians.”…
Meanwhile, the Christian Pastor, Samson Dilawar, who visited Asia Bibi in jail in recent days to bring her assistance and spiritual comfort, has received death threats and has confirmed to Fides that Asia “is in grave danger for her life in prison.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/12/2010)