Posted: 05/13/2010 at 12:18pm | IP Logged

SHEIKHUPURA, PAKISTAN (ANS) -- Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian mother of four and a resident of a small village in Sheikhupura district in the province of Punjab of Pakistan continues to languish in a prison after being accused of blasphemy in June 2009, ANS has learned.

After a court appearance, Asia is hugged by some of her children. One was Isha, who cried and hugged her mother and would not let her go. Isha pointed to the veil on her mother's face and said, "I want to see your face, remove this cover." It was a sad scene. (Photo: http://persecutedchurch.blogspot.com)

According to the Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP), Asia, 45, was accused of passing derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad on June 14, 2009.

"An angry Muslim mob tortured Asia ruthlessly until the police arrived at the scene of incident and took her to safety," Sohail Johnson, SLMP Chief Coordinator told an ANS correspondent.

"The police First Information Report was lodged on June 19, 2009 and Asia was then sent to prison. She is now facing blasphemy trial in the Sessions Court of Nankana Sahib."

Mr. Johnson said that Asia's post arrest bail was rejected on July 14, 2009.

Johnson told ANS that one of his ministry's pastors went to see Asia's family on May 10, 2010.

"The pastor conducted a prayer meeting and encouraged Ashiq Masih, Asia's husband and the children to stay firm in faith," said Johnson.

Sohail said Masih told SLMP that Asia was "very much concerned" about her upcoming trial.

Addressing the delay that she and many alleged blasphemy defendants have endure before their cases can be heard by courts in Pakistan, Mr. Johnson said that it was "regrettable" that Asia case had not yet been heard.

"It is deeply painful for Asia and her family. She has already been imprisoned for nearly a year," said the Lahore-based Christian rights activist.

Johnson told ANS that his ministry had been extending moral and financial support to Asia and her family members.

"Asia's children are missing their mother very badly. They long to see her," he said.

ANS has learned that one of Asia's daughters, Isha, is disabled and cannot walk properly. Imran, Asia's 18-year-old son, works in a brick kiln whereas Sidra and Isham, her two daughters, go to school. Johnson said that his ministry paid school enrolment fees for Asia's daughters.

SLMP has urged Christian brethren across the world to pray for Asia's "protection and her release."

Source: (ANS) www.assistnews.net