blasphemy

Churches in Pakistan have expressed frustration over the government's refusal to amend a controversial blasphemy law, as urged by the Pope and protesting civil rights activists.

A pressure group has accused the Advertising Standards Authority of effectively re-introducing the blasphemy law through the back door.

Christians in Pakistan have been stunned by the killing of two young men, who were shot dead on court premises earlier this week.

Irish President Mary McAleese has signed into law the Defamation Act, which includes clauses that create the offence of "blasphemous libel". Civil rights campaigners are dismayed.