Islamic-Studies Professor, Accused of Blasphemy, Is Assassinated in Pakistan – The Ticker - Blogs - The Chronicle of Higher Education
peter.suber's bookmarks 2014-09-19
Summary:
"A professor of Islamic studies in Pakistan who had been accused of blasphemy was shot and killed by two unidentified gunmen on Thursday, Reuters reports. Accusations of blasphemy in Pakistan can lead to indefinite imprisonment, if not immediate lynching, Reuters notes. Judges and lawyers sometimes do not show up for hearings in blasphemy cases, out of fear that describing the charge will lead to their being charged with blasphemy as well."
Muhammad Shakil Auj, dean of the faculty of Islamic studies at a university in Karachi, complained to the police in 2012 that four colleagues had texted accusations of blasphemy to him. Mr. Auj was known for his moderate views, writing, for example, that Muslim women should be allowed to marry non-Muslims.