PUBLICAI Index: ASA 33/029/2002

17 September 2002

Further information on UA 256/02 (ASA 33/027/2002, 19 August 2002) - Fear for safety/Death threats

PAKISTANRukhsana Bunyad (f) and her family

Rukhsana Bunyad, an elected councillor from Mianwali, Punjab, was acquitted on 9 September, and released from prison that day.

Rukhsana Bunyad had been accused of offending religious feelings under Section 295A of the Pakistan Penal Code. She apologised for unintentionally offending anyone’s feelings. This was accepted by the complainant in this case, and apparently by all those who had made threats against her.

No further action by the Urgent Action network is required at this point. Many thanks to all those who sent appeals on behalf of Rukhsana Bunyad and her family.