Tabassum is a Pakistani lawyer who defends cases and people like this: a Christian girl who was thrown out of a window because she did not want to convert and marry a Muslim.
TABASSUM YOUSAF
Lawyer, defends religious persecution victims
“The only case highlighted is the case of Asia Bibi's, but there are many that are not reported.”
When she was studying, Tabassum suffered first-hand religious discrimination the minorities in Pakistan experience daily. As the only Christian in her school, it cost her dearly.
TABASSUM YOUSAF
Lawyer, defends religious persecution victims
“A Muslim guys, I can't reveal his name, he said that you're a christian girl and I am in love with you. I said, 'okay.' He said 'I want you to marry me but first you will be converted.' I said 'no, I am Catholic. So why should I convert. He was making the situation so bad for me that I can't continue my studies. He said 'you don't know who I am, I am a rajah.' It is a caste in Pakistan. He said 'When you go to your college, me and my friends will kidnap you'.”
For Pakistani Christians, the definitive liberation of Asia Bibi has been a milestone in the country's history, in order to eradicate religious fundamentalism. However, important measures still must be implemented so the anti-blasphemy law does not punish the innocent.
TABASSUM YOUSAF
Lawyer, defends religious persecution victims
'Who has falsely charged someone must be imprisoned. It's a good step, but if it is taken It is her saying that we should take this step. necessary but this step is not taken yet. '
Since it was approved in 1986, it is estimated that 224 Christians have suffered the consequences of the anti-blasphemy law. It is often used as an instrument of personal revenge or as a tool to discriminate against minorities. Twenty-five Christians are still in prison after being convicted and 23 others have not been tried, since they were murdered immediately after being accused.
