ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A Pakistani “blasphemy” suspect has appealed for asylum in Holland after facing police torture and attacks by Muslim extremists for his controversial religious views.
Christian convert, political activist and comparative religion scholar Yasaar Hameed, 36, applied for asylum in late March, meeting Dutch immigration officials for his first hearing June 7. Hameed told friends in Pakistan that authorities said it would take at least six months to process his application.
His wife and two children remain in Pakistan, where their security is in jeopardy.
He has faced blasphemy charges since 1993.
The worst accusation came in December 2002, when extremist maulvis (Muslim teachers) accused Hameed of publishing a pamphlet showing Mohammed, the prophet of Islam, in indecent positions.
Under Pakistani law, blasphemy against Mohammed carries the death penalty.
Share with others: