Just Say No To Sharia – Pakistan Muslim scholars and clerics praise killer of governor who opposed blasphemy laws

Mumtaz Qadri, centre, alleged killer of Punjab’s governor Salman Taseer, as he arrives at court, in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. B.K.Bangash/AP

Lawyers showered rose petals over the suspected killer of a prominent Pakistani governor when he arrived at court Wednesday and an influential Muslim scholars group praised the assassination of the outspoken opponent of laws that order death for those who insult Islam.

More than 500 clerics and scholars from the group Jamat Ahle Sunnat said no one should pray or express regret for the killing of Punjab province Gov. Salman Taseer. The group representing Pakistan‘s majority Barelvi sect, which follows a brand of Islam considered moderate, also issued a veiled threat to other opponents of the blasphemy laws.

“The supporter is as equally guilty as one who committed blasphemy,” the group warned in a statement, adding politicians, the media and others should learn “a lesson from the exemplary death.”

Jamat leader, Maulana Shah Turabul Haq Qadri, paid “glorious tribute to the murderer … for his courage, bravery and religious honor and integrity.”

The suspected killer, 26-year-old Mumtaz Qadri, told interrogators Tuesday that he shot the moderate Taseer multiple times because of the politician’s outspoken opposition to the harsh blasphemy laws. Read more