Here the nice article on Vatican Radio!
Awe in Pakistan killed the Catholic minister Bhatti. Against the blasphemy law had defended Asia Bibi
The Church and the international community have learned with sorrow and dismay the news of the assassination of Pakistani Minister for Minorities, the Catholic Shahbaz Bhatti, killed by a commando fundamentalists in Islamabad. The minister has always championed the cause of religious freedom and defending the aspirations of Christians and other minorities. He has repeatedly denounced the abuses of the blasphemy law, has called for justice for Asia Bibi. His commitment to the protection of minorities has cost him his life. The service Amedeo Lomonaco : 
42 years, son of Christian missionaries and member of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Shahbaz Bhatti was a staunch defender of religious freedom, driven by a profound faith. "I just want a place at the feet of Jesus I want my life, my character, my actions - the minister said Bhatti - speak to me and say that I am following Jesus." The minister was shot and killed by fire in Islamabad. According to local sources, gunmen have opened fire on his car. It was the only Christian in the new government led by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Said. Last month he was re-elected guidance of the Ministry of Religious Minorities, and his appointment had been opposed to Islamic religious groups have also issued against him a fatwa, an Islamic legal ruling . He was a brave man at the side of minorities and vulnerable people. He has repeatedly called for the reform of the blasphemy law in Pakistan that provides for life imprisonment in cases of desecration of the Koran and the death penalty for offenses against Muhammad. Has launched several appeals calling for the liberation of Asia Bibi, the mother of five Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy and held in prison in the province of Punjab. Because of his constant efforts, was in the crosshairs of the fundamentalists, who have more times threatened with death. After the killing, on 4 January, the governor of Punjab Salman Taseer, who had requested a pardon for Asia Bibi and the abolition of the blasphemy law, Bhatti was told to be on the "blacklist" of extremist groups. But who told him that it would be appropriate to leave the country, the Minister replied that he could not abandon Pakistan. He was convinced of having to continue the battle against the fanaticism of extremist groups, increasingly influential in Pakistan. Above all, he was convinced he had to continue their efforts in favor of minorities and particularly the Christian community. The Church remembers today the Pakistani minister Batthi expressing their deep sorrow and stressing that it is a day "sad and bitter," not only for Christians but for the whole country. The Archbishop of Lahore and chairman of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference, Msgr. Lawrence Saldanha, the murder of Minister Bhatti defines a "tragic example unsustainable climate of intolerance that we are living in Pakistan." The bishop of Faisalabad, Msgr. Joseph Coutts, adding that the assassination "is a great tragedy not only for Christians in Pakistan but throughout the country." "Fanaticism - says the prelate - indiscriminately affects all those involved in the defense of truth, justice and peace." The Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Mgr. Anthony Rufin, remember that the minister was "a devout Catholic and lover from an early age." At the microphone Chris Altieri, Mgr. Anthony Rufin Bhatti adds that the minister was living "under constant threat"
"I was ...
I was visiting a village when I received the news of the death of the minister Bhatti: I broke my visit and now I'm returning to Islamabad. This news saddens us very much; saddened the entire country. He almost expected it because it was the truth. The threats were there, but he was very courageous. He knew that telling the truth would be exposed to the risk, knowing that sooner or later could happen to him. "
On 12 September last year Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo had received the Minister Shahbaz Bhatti , during his visit to Rome. We hear a few words of the minister in an interview granted to Stephen Leszczynski on that occasion:
"I believe that ... I think
change the minds and hearts of the people is the most important thing and we have launched a campaign Inter just to achieve this goal. We are doing everything possible to ensure that people - who are misled by terrorists - would devote themselves instead to harmony and peace. "
the site of the leaflets were found in Pakistani Punjab extremists claiming the murder and remember the strong position of Minister Bhatti against the blasphemy law. On 5 January, Vatican Radio had broadcast an interview with Bhatti immediately after the death of Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, who was killed by an extremist for having adhered to the front to the abolition of the blasphemy law. The interview is Wessels Kelsea Brennan:
"I Think That It Is Difficult ...
I think it's difficult, but the misuse of the blasphemy law that makes sure that I hope people can realize that this murder happened as a result of incitement by fanatics who use the blasphemy law to instigate the people to violence. So, I think this law should be revisited and reviewed to prevent their misuse. However, on the other hand, religious extremists are saying clearly that they will tolerate no amendment to this law. "(P)
" Bhatti Minister - said the Bishop of Faisalabad - he always spoke in a loud voice to defend the truth. This is why the fanatics wanted to silence him. "
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