We are deeply disturbed and horrified at the death sentence Junaid Hafeez has received for allegedly violating Pakistan's blasphemy law. Junaid has already suffered immensely and has had his human rights violated by being placed in solitary confinement for six years on false charges. Junaid's continued detention and death sentence make a mockery of the principles of justice and fairness.
Junaid embodies the best qualities a scholar can hope for, most prominently his heartfelt desire to educate and broaden the minds of his students. Pakistan is lucky to have people like him. We urge President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari to take immediate action: (1) grant Junaid his rightful freedom and (2) investigate the brutal murder of his defense lawyer, Rashid Rehman.
