Stop abusing blasphemy laws against Shia Muslims
GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
As members of the global community that upholds justice and human rights, we, the petitioners, are writing in order to express our deep dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s abuse of blasphemy laws. We implore you to act quickly and forcefully to make sure that these laws are implemented in accordance with global human rights norms.
It is alarming that the accusation of blasphemy is leveled against members of religious minorities or minority Muslim sects for simply upholding their religious beliefs. Shia Muslims in Pakistan endure assault, indefinite confinement, unfair trials, and, in some cases, death sentences for nothing more than upholding their religious beliefs. This is a blatant violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which Pakistan has ratified.
The blasphemy laws are being misused by those who advocate anti-Shiitism and hate speech against Shi’a Muslims. Misuse of blasphemy laws against Shia Muslims in Pakistan has bred fear, quashed dissent, and incited vigilante behavior against the community of Shia Muslims.
Many Shia Muslims who have been convicted of blasphemy for merely practicing their religion and rituals face severe repercussions, such as social exclusion, mob violence, or protracted confinement while on trial. Furthermore, even in cases when there is little to no evidence to back up the claim, the mere accusation of blasphemy can put a person in immediate danger.
More than 25,000 thousand Shi’a Muslims have been killed because of terrorist and violent acts executed by anti-Shiite (Takfiri Deobandi Sipah Sahaba or ASWJ/LEJ) groups since 1947. The number of cases filed under the blasphemy laws against Shia Muslims rises each year. Two Shia Muslims were recently given the death penalty for merely expressing their faith on social media.
It is crucial to understand that Pakistan’s existing application of blasphemy laws is incompatible with the nation’s commitments under international human rights law, which ensure that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
We demand the Pakistani government to:
To stop the abuse, the current blasphemy laws should be reviewed and revised in accordance with global human rights standards. This involves putting in place safeguards against unfounded accusations, ensuring fair trials, and defending the right of all religious minorities, particularly Shi’a Muslims, to practice their religion.
To advance religious freedom and equality before the law, stronger protections for vulnerable groups such as religious minorities should be put in place.
To prevent abuse and protect the rule of law, law enforcement, and the courts should be educated and made aware of how these laws should be applied properly.
To advance social harmony, foster communication, and understanding amongst various religious and ethnic groups.
Cooperate with international organizations and human rights groups to oversee and aid in putting these improvements into effect.
SFHRS Consortium
Supporting Members
Interfaith Unity for Tolerance
Southern Punjab Legal Aid Group under Pakistan Adab Wa Aman Society
Sadaat-e-Amroha Australia
Voice of Hussain
Mohsena Memorial Foundation
Justice For Muslims Collective
Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain
Rutgers University Ahlul Bayt Association
University of Illinois College of Law – Muslim Law Students Association
University of Chicago Muslim Law Students Association
Husaynia Islamic Society of Seattle
Dar-e-Zahra Women’s Foundation
University of Michigan Muslim Student Association
Muslim Burial Organization of Los Angeles
Shia Muslim Council of Southern California
SHIA INC.
Los Angeles Muharram Procession
Indian Muslim Student Association at The University of Michigan
Zainabia Islamic Society
Muslims United for Justice
Jafaria Islamic Society
Al-Zahra Islamic Center of Charlotte
MSA Lone Star Council
Safinah
Silja
Imamia Educational Center
Shia Racial Justice Coalition
Islamic Center of Zahra
Anjuman Asiran Dar e Batul NY
Majlis e Ulama e Shia Europe
Imamia Medics International
HAQQ
Stand for Justice LDN
Al Mehdi Islamic Center
Al Mahdi Welfare Organization Canada
SABA Islamic Center
The Qa’im Initiative
Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Association of Ottawa
Inside-an-airportI
Zainabia NJ
Bargah e Abul Fazlil Abbas
Texas A&M University Muslim Students Association
Bab-ul-Ilm Islamic Center
Shia International-Pakistan
Jafaria Association of Connecticut
AECC Singapore
FITNA-Feminist Islamic Troublemakers of North America
Ahlulbayt Student Association of City College
New York Law School Muslim Law Students Association
Islamic Educational Center of Orange County
Dar Al Nur
Ahl ul Bayt Center of Nevada
Islamic Education Center of Murrietta
Muslims4peace
Standwithdignity
Swarthmore Muslim Student Association
NYU Muslim Students Association
UMAA
Shia Association of North America (Bait ul Qaym)
Masjid e Ali (Muslim Foundation)
Cornell MECA
Dar-e-Abbas Center Houston
Markazi Imam Bargah Al Murtaza
Shia Aasan of North America
Muslim Foundation Inc
Imam Zamana Foundation of North America
Hejrat Educational Center
Islamic Education Foundation of Arizona
Muslim Student Association – UMass Dartmouth
The Council of Islamic Guidance
Shia Camp
Ghadir Centre
Hussaini Association of Calgary
Babul Hawaij Islamic Center of Calgary
Islamic Shia Ithna-Asheri Association of Ottawa
Kisa Kids
AGA Islamic Inc