European Parliament blasts religious intolerance in Pakistan

24-05-2010

Recalling that "it was blasphemy accusations that triggered anti-Christian mob violence in Gojra and Korian in summer 2009, leaving eight dead and at least 100 houses destroyed," the European Parliament passed a resolution on May 20 condemning religious intolerance in Pakistan. The parliament called upon "the Government of Pakistan to carry out a thoroughgoing review of the blasphemy laws and their current application, as well as - inter alia - of Section 295 C of the Penal Code, which prescribes a mandatory death penalty for anyone found guilty of blasphemy, and in the meantime to implement amendments as suggested by the Federal Minister for Minority Affairs."

The lawmakers criticized aspects of Islam, noting that "the unceasing threat by radical Muslim forces operating on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border make concerted international efforts to support and invigorate economic and social development in Pakistan ever more imperative" and that "violence against girls and women, including rape, domestic violence and forced marriages, continues to be a serious problem, part of which can be attributed to Sharia law."

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