Attack on blasphemy accused at Adiala appalling: HRCP

Lahore, September 26: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned an attack in Adiala Jail on a 70-year old man sentenced to death over blasphemy charges. The prisoner was shot and injured by a policeman at the prison.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission said: “HRCP is not only appalled by the attack on Muhammad Asghar, a British-Pakistani, by a prison guard on Wednesday but also by the ease with which the policeman managed to walk into Asghar’s cell before shooting him. Even a cursory glance at recent trends of violence where allegations of blasphemy are made would have indicated that such as attack was not unexpected. If anything, it was more likely than not that the prisoner would be targeted. Therefore, we are dismayed that more was not done to prevent the attack.

HRCP is of the opinion that merely suspending a few policemen following the attack would not do at all. Meaningful steps must be taken to prevent such a situation from arising again and particularly the role of police personnel in such incidents deserves a closer look. HRCP calls for a thorough inquiry to determine what could have been done to prevent the attack not just in this instance but also what measures are needed in the future. It should be noted that this is not the first incident where a blasphemy accused has been attacked by a policeman.

It cannot be stressed strongly enough that Asghar, who is said to have a long history of mental illness, remains at grave risk. He must be provided foolproof security in hospital and the specialist care he needs.

HRCP stresses that the security of all jailed blasphemy accused and individuals convicted of this charge must be ensured. HRCP hopes that the authorities would ensure that the policeman involved pays for his crime and is not turned into a hero in the manner that Salman Taseer’s murderer was.”

Zohra Yusuf

Chairperson

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Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)

107-Tipu Block, New Garden Town, Lahore – 54600

Phone: (92-42) 35845969 Fax: (92-42) 35883582

eMail: hrcp@hrcp-web.org

Category: English