Lahore

The recent kidnapping of Shahbaz Taseer reminds us all of the continuing injustices in Pakistan. The name Taseer should ring a bell with many of you. Shahbaz's father, Salman Taseer was killed early this year by an extremist named Mumtaz Qadri. Mr. Qadri publicly confessed to the killing claiming that his actions were justified because Salman Taseer opposed the blasphemy law and publicly supported the case of Asia Bibi, also known as Asia Noreen, who received a death sentence under the blasphemy law.  read more »

It is without doubt that the freedom of religion constitutes a pillar of human rights. It has been stated in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Art. 9.1) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Art. 18). The practice shows however that the persecution on the grounds of religion or belief is still present worldwide. According to the statistics at least 75% of religious persecution is directed against people of Christian faith and each year about 170,000 Christians suffer because of their beliefs. The total number of faithful who are discriminated amounts already to 100 million. It's also a known fact that more Christians have been martyred in the 20th century than in all the prior 1,900 years. All in all it makes Christians the most persecuted religious group.
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New Delhi-24th August

A ‘people’s tribunal’ on Tuesday said the victims of 2008 Kandhamal communal violence in Orissa continue to be intimidated and “systematically” denied protection and access to justice, recommending that State government must protect those affected and the witnesses of the cases.  read more »