RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — A Christian in Pakistan has been sentenced to life in prison for blasphemy.
A trial court in Rawalpindi sentenced Zafar Bhatti to life imprisonment, even though conviction under the blasphemy law mandates the death penalty and a fine for the “use of derogatory remarks … that defile the name of Muhammed.”
Bhatti, who has been in jail since 2012, was accused of sending blasphemous text messages from his mobile phone. He continues to deny that the messages were sent from his phone.
Nasir Saeed, director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement-UK, said, “Instead of freeing him the court has sentenced him to life imprisonment because of pressure from Islamists.” (MS)
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