Pakistani Christian woman appeals over death sentence
Pakistani Christians in church Rights groups say the blasphemy law is often exploited by Islamist extremists or people harbouring personal grudges. Pakistani Christian woman appeals over death sentence Relatives of a Pakistani Christian woman sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Muhammad say they will appeal against her conviction. Asia Bibi is believed to be the first woman sentenced to death under Pakistan's blasphemy law. Her husband told the BBC her conviction was based on "false accusations". Although no-one has ever been executed under the law, about 10 accused have been murdered before the completion of their trials. The 45-year-old mother was sentenced to death on Monday by a court in the town of Nankana, around 75km (45 miles) from the city of Lahore in Punjab province. Altercation over water Her husband, Ashiq Masih, who is a field labourer, said: "We have never ever insulted the Prophet Muhammad or Islamic scripture, and we will contest the charges