Dear friends, There has been an on going discussion following Zafran Bibi's sentence under the Hudood Laws in Pakistan, and I would like to update you on the progress so far on the case.
Justice (retd) Majida Razvi, who was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Women's Commission, has taken up the case. A strong letter was sent by her to the Governor,challenging her detention in the death cell. She was subsequently sent back to the ordinary prison, and is possibly out on bail. She has also asked for a review of the Hudood Ordinance to be completed in 6 weeks time. Discussions with religious leaders and members of the judiciary have taken place in Karachi, and a second is scheduled in Lahore. It is for the first time that this law is being reviewed, after its promulgation in the 80's by General Zia-ul-Haq. It is a difficult thorny issue as each of the 72 sects of Islam has their own interpretation of the Sharia Laws! Justice Majida is also the Chairperson of 'Panah' - the shelter home for women who are victims of violence. This was opened in Karachi in January this year,and the seed money was provided by Amnesty International members. I am also one of the founder trustees of the shelter, and if you need any information about it I will be happy to give it to you. With best wishes Habiba Habiba Hassan Amnesty International-Pakistan ***End-violence is sponsored by UNIFEM and receives generous support from ICAP*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe end-violence OR type: unsubscribe end-violence Archives of previous End-violence messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/end-violence/hypermail/
