Blasphemy is a crime punishable by death under Islam. Some Muslims, though, don't actually wait for a conviction under such a crime before they decide to make sure that "justice" is done and the "crime" is paid for.

In Lahore, Pakistan, a woman was beaten, tortured, and killed by inmates because she allegedly burned a copy of the Koran. News Interactive reports:

Naseem Bibi, 45, died last night in a hospital in Lahore's Kotlakhpat jail in Punjab province, said Pervez Aslam, her lawyer. "It seems she was beaten and tortured by fellow prisoners because she was suspected of blasphemy against Islam," Aslam said. He has demanded an inquiry. A jail official confirmed Bibi's death but said doctors blamed heart failure.

Hundreds of people are in Pakistan's jails on blasphemy charges. It can be dangerous for judges in Pakistan to try blasphemy cases and some adjourn cases indefinitely rather than risk making a judgement. Islamic militants often attend the trials so they can threaten and hurl abuse at judges and defence lawyers.

Anyone can accuse a person of blasphemy, and burning a Koran seems to be a favorite charge (perhaps because there is no evidence of the crime). Proof isn't really necessary anyway - just an accusation and an alleged "witness." Islamic militants are so concerned with maintaining the Islamic "purity" of Pakistan that they seek conviction even in the absence of real evidence - religious purity is more important than justice or fairness. Are their actions in pressuring judges to rule a particular way much different from any fascist group? Is this the face of Pakistan that Muslims want the world to see? If not, then they should get moving and do something about it - because it is the face of Islam that the world sees.

Read More:

• Islamic Extremists
• Religion in Pakistan