ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP JOHN JOSEPH'S DEATH AND PAKISTAN'S BLASPHEMY LAW

Early day motion 1424, tabled 24 April 2008 by David Drew (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House recalls the death of Bishop John Joseph on 6th May 1998, who shot himself to protest against the blasphemy law and the sentencing of Ayub Masih to death for blasphemy in Pakistan; notes that abuses continue to occur under Pakistan's blasphemy law including sentencing Younis Masih to death for blasphemy last year; notes that those who are accused suffer retributive attacks and severe mistreatment, particularly in prison, and even those who are acquitted remain at risk of violent attack by extremists and are therefore forced to live in hiding or exile; notes that the blasphemy law is open to abuse as it only requires the testimony of one person for charges to be brought, no proof of intent is needed and the definition of blasphemy is inadequate; further notes that lawyers and human rights defenders regularly receive death threats when defending blasphemy cases; further notes the recent election of a new government in Pakistan under Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani; and so calls upon Mr Gillani's government to repeal the blasphemy law and for Pakistan to adhere to its responsibilities under international law.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 6, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1.