ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – A hardline Pakistani Islamist group has warned of “terrible consequences” if a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy is granted leniency in her appeal due to begin on Monday, a case that has drawn global headlines and indignation. “If there is any attempt to hand her over to a foreign country, there will be terrible consequences,” TLP said in a statement. Insulting Islam’s prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offense.

Source: Egypt Independent October 08, 2018 08:03 UTC