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Shahbaz Bhatti: another victim of fundamentalism in Pakistan

Brussels -
Wednesday, March 2, 2011

The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek, strongly condemns the assassination of Pakistan's Minorities Minister, Shahbaz Bhatti:

"Today's assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti is a personal tragedy, but also a terrible defeat for fundamental human rights, far beyond his own country.

I mourn his death and I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends. My heart and thoughts are with them and with all those who show exemplary determination and courage by risking their life for religious freedom and tolerance.

After the forced death of Salman Taseer, the governor of the Punjab region, on 4 January, this is the second assassination in a row of a senior Pakistani official who tried to reform the country's blasphemy law.

I strongly condemn this attack on his life. The perpetrators of this cowardly act of brutality have to be brought to justice.  

I urge the Pakistani government to honour the heroic fight of Shabaz Bhatti by pursuing all possible efforts for tolerance and the protection of all minorities. "

Note to the editors:

Shabaz Bhatti came himself to the European Parliament in May 2010. In its resolution of 20 January 2011 on the situation of Christians in the world, the EP expressed its grave concerns on the Pakistani blasphemy law and the related death sentences against Christians.

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