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                                  VIS-Press releases   
      
   PAPAL APPEAL FOR ASIA BIBI   
      
   VATICAN CITY, 17 NOV 2010 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience the   
   Holy Father, with reference to the situation of Christians in Pakistan,   
   pronounced the following words:   
      
   "Over these days the international community is, with great concern, following   
   the situation of Christians in Pakistan, who are often victims of violence or   
   discrimination. In particular, I today express my spiritual closeness to Ms   
   Asia Bibi and her family while asking that, as soon as possible, she may be   
   restored to complete freedom. I also pray for people who find themselves in   
   similar situations, that their human dignity and fundamental rights may be   
   fully respected".   
      
   Asia Bibi is a Pakistani Christian who, following a discussion with some Muslim   
   colleagues, was accused by the latter of having pronounced offensive words   
   against the Prophet Mohammed and denounced to the local imam. The imam asked   
   the police to intervene and an investigation began which, a few days later, led   
   to the arrest of Asia Bibi on the accusation of violating code 295 of the penal   
   code, which provides for the death penalty for blasphemy.   
   AG/VIS 20101117 (190)   
      
   SUMMARY   
      
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    * Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS =Meridian, MS= bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)