Thread by @HumanistsInt

It is good to see Asia Bibi finally leaving Pakistan after years of persecution for alleged 'blasphemy': bbc.co.uk/news/world-asi… #AsiaBibi #blasphemy

But a disparity is highlighted here. THREAD >

While the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian, has seen prominent news coverage globally, other cases, more associated with secular criticism of religion, have been downplayed.

For example: Soheil Arabi in Iran en-hrana.org/soheil-arabi-s… (like Asia Bibi, his so-called 'blasphemy' was equated with activity against the state)

For example: Mohamed M'khaitir in Mauritania humanists.international/2018/11/ngos-c… (like Asia Bibi, he was pardoned but still detained - only in his case it's now been 18 months since he should have been freed, and he was first detained in 2014!)

For example: Ashraf Fayadh and Ahmad Al Shamri and others in Saudi Arabia humanists.international/2019/03/i-dont… (like Asia Bibi, prisoners of conscience!)

And indeed, for example: Abdul Waheed and Rana Noman, who like Asia Bibi are jailed under Pakistan's egregious 'blasphemy' law: humanists.international/2017/03/pakist…

Variously accused of blasphemy in connection with atheism or secularism, the above all remain behind bars or (as in Al Shamri's case, their status is unknown).

Just as we raised Asia Bibi's case at the UN and other international forums, we will continue to highlight so-called 'blasphemers' of all backgrounds and campaign to free prisoners of conscience everywhere. #endblasphemylaws @EndBlasphemyLaw