Fake images of Bibi leaving country riles extremists
MINISTER SAYS IMAGES MISIDENTIFYING HER PROMPTED DEATH THREATS TO A LAWMAKER
The Pakistani government, already struggling with a crisis surrounding Asia Bibi, now has to deal with fake images on social media purportedly showing her leaving the country.
The Christian woman was acquitted of blasphemy charges after eight years on death row.
Although it was unclear who was behind the images, which prompted death threats to a lawmaker shown in one photograph, it was likely they were intended to whip up radical religious fervour over Bibi’s case.
Radical Islamists have blocked Bibi’s freedom and demanded that she be publicly executed. They’ve also filed a petition to repeal her Supreme Court acquittal. The government says Bibi remains in Pakistan at a secret location for her own protection until the review process is finished.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned radical groups against using her plight to further their political aims with street protests.
He has defended the Supreme Court judges who on October 21 acquitted the 54-year-old mother of five of blasphemy charges but has also acquiesced to Islamists that the acquittal be reviewed in an appeal process.
Blasphemy is a highly charged issue in Pakistan, where mere allegations or accusations that someone had insulted the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) can incite mobs into a frenzy of violence. The charge also carries the death penalty and critics say the controversial blasphemy law is abused to settle scores.
Pope picture
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry slammed the fake postings on Monday, one of which claims to show Bibi meeting Pope Francis. The photo is actually of Bibi’s daughter from two years ago. Bibi and her family have always maintained her innocence.