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                               VIS-Press releases

PAPAL APPEAL FOR ASIA BIBI

VATICAN CITY, 17 NOV 2010 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience the
Holy Father, with reference to the situation of Christians in Pakistan,
pronounced the following words:

"Over these days the international community is, with great concern, following
the situation of Christians in Pakistan, who are often victims of violence or
discrimination. In particular, I today express my spiritual closeness to Ms
Asia Bibi and her family while asking that, as soon as possible, she may be
restored to complete freedom. I also pray for people who find themselves in
similar situations, that their human dignity and fundamental rights may be
fully respected".

Asia Bibi is a Pakistani Christian who, following a discussion with some Muslim
colleagues, was accused by the latter of having pronounced offensive words
against the Prophet Mohammed and denounced to the local imam. The imam asked
the police to intervene and an investigation began which, a few days later, led
to the arrest of Asia Bibi on the accusation of violating code 295 of the penal
code, which provides for the death penalty for blasphemy.
AG/VIS 20101117 (190)

SUMMARY

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