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Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Lord Alton of Liverpool (Liberal Democrat), on Thursday, 9 February 1995, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 65 members in total.

DEATH PENALTY FOR CHRISTIANS IN PAKISTAN

That this House is appalled at the death sentence passed on two Christians, fourteen year old Salamat Masih and Rehmat Masih on 9th February in Pakistan; notes that this penalty was passed under the country's blasphemy laws, that the complainant, Fazul-Haq, had indicated his desire to withdraw the allegations of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad, in open court, only two days before sentence was passed, and that it appears he was threatened by Islamic extremists to prevent him withdrawing his allegation; and calls upon the Government of Pakistan to recognise the weakness of the evidence in the case, including the fact that Salamat Masih was illiterate at the time of the alleged crime though he is accused of having written blasphemous words and to press for the urgent review of this sentence and for the release of Salamat Masih and Rehmat Masih.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received an amendment.

DEATH PENALTY FOR CHRISTIANS IN PAKISTAN (590A1)
The Early day motion has received an amendment sponsored by Max Madden (primary, Labour) and tabled on Thursday, 23 February 1995. It has been signed by 1 members in total.
at end add ` and urges Members to sign a Parliamentary Petition calling upon the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to repeal the sentences imposed on Salmat Masih and Rehmat Masih; further urges Members to exert influence upon political parties in Pakistan to support in the National Assembly Government legislation to amend the blasphemy laws enacted under martial law; and to espouse the importance of human rights, including religious tolerance, as an essential pillar of democratic government.'.

Secondary information

Type
Early day motion
Reference
590 
590A1 
Session
1994-95
Subjects
Blasphemy Capital punishment Pakistan
Link
View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk