The pair were convicted in 2014 after sending a text message insulting the prophet Muhammad
Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar were acquitted on Thursday. The move follows condemnation from the EU and rights groups. Photograph: (no credit)
Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar were acquitted on Thursday. The move follows condemnation from the EU and rights groups. Photograph: (no credit)
AFPinLahore
Thu 3 Jun 2021 12.22 EDT
Last modified on Thu 3 Jun 2021 12.27 EDT
A Pakistani court has ordered the release of a Christian couple sentenced to death for blasphemy, lawyers said, weeks after the European parliament blasted the country over the case.
Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar were jailed in 2013 and convicted of sending a text message insulting the prophet Muhammad – even though both are illiterate.
A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the release of a Christian married couple sentenced to death for blasphemy, lawyers said, weeks after the European Parliament blasted the country over the case. "I am very happy that we were able to get the release of this couple who are some of the most helpless people in our society," said Malook, who expects them to be freed next week after the court orders are published.