Asia Bibi appeal postponed for a fifth time

Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi is facing death for blasphemy (Photo: Voice of the Martyrs)

Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman who has been sentenced to death, has had her appeal postponed again.

Bibi was due to appeal her death sentence for blasphemy today (May 27) but, as with the last four occasions, it has been cancelled.

No new date has been set.

Bibi, a mother of five, has been in prison since 2010. The accusation of blasphemy followed a heated dispute with Muslim colleagues.

Blasphemy is a serious crime in Muslim-majority Pakistan and carries the death sentence, but human rights groups say the charges are often trumped up as a means of settling personal scores and vendettas.

Anyone accused of blasphemy in Pakistan faces threats to their life from extremists. Relatives often have to go into hiding to escape the same fate, and being behind bars doesn't make the accused any safer.

related articles
Peter Tatchell backs Asia Bibi petition
Peter Tatchell backs Asia Bibi petition

Peter Tatchell backs Asia Bibi petition

Asia Bibi appeal hearing against blasphemy death sentence postponed
Asia Bibi appeal hearing against blasphemy death sentence postponed

Asia Bibi appeal hearing against blasphemy death sentence postponed

Christian couple in Pakistan sentenced to death for 'blasphemy'

Christian couple in Pakistan sentenced to death for 'blasphemy'

Asia Bibi\'s appeal hearing on death sentence delayed again
Asia Bibi's appeal hearing on death sentence delayed again

Asia Bibi's appeal hearing on death sentence delayed again

David Cameron urged to raise blasphemy law concerns with Pakistan
David Cameron urged to raise blasphemy law concerns with Pakistan

David Cameron urged to raise blasphemy law concerns with Pakistan

British Pakistani Christians protest blasphemy laws at Downing Street
British Pakistani Christians protest blasphemy laws at Downing Street

British Pakistani Christians protest blasphemy laws at Downing Street

Asia Bibi appeal trial date set for fourth time in Pakistan
Asia Bibi appeal trial date set for fourth time in Pakistan

Asia Bibi appeal trial date set for fourth time in Pakistan

Asia Bibi death sentence appeal: Fifth time lucky for Christian mother accused of blasphemy?
Asia Bibi death sentence appeal: Fifth time lucky for Christian mother accused of blasphemy?

Asia Bibi death sentence appeal: Fifth time lucky for Christian mother accused of blasphemy?

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.