VP/HR — The case of Nabeel Masih

16.11.2016

Question for written answer E-008597-16
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Charles Tannock (ECR)

There are reports that Nabeel Masih, a sixteen-year-old Christian, was arrested in Pakistan on charges of blasphemy after he ‘liked’ a photograph on Facebook of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, deemed to be ‘inappropriate’. Masih was sent to jail pending trial following a report that was made to police by a Muslim who claimed to find the incident insulting to Islam. Under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death. However, the laws are also known to be used to settle personal rivalries and/or to target religious minorities.

1. Is the High Representative/Vice-President aware of this particular case and of the increasing number of similar cases against religious minorities accused of being in breach of the blasphemy laws?

2. Will the HR/VP ensure that the EU Delegation in Islamabad raises this case with the Pakistani authorities?