Death for Pak guv killer

Qadri told the court Taseer deserved to die because of his criticism of Pakistani laws that mandate the death sentence for insulting Islam. Taseer,a member of the countrys ruling party,wanted amendments in the law and had defended a Christian woman sentenced to death under it.

Qadri was convicted and sentenced in an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi. The trial was held in a prison and was closed to the media.

One of Qadris lawyers,Raja Shuja-ur-Rehman,said the defence will appeal. We are not satisfied with this ruling,and we will file an appeal against it, he said.

Qadris main argument was that Taseer,a Muslim,had brought on his own killing because of his opposition to the so-called blasphemy laws.

As the news broke,more than 100 Muslim extremists protested outside the jail.

We will free you! We will die for you! shouted 20-year-old Mohammed Aslam. Others yelled: Long live Qadri!

Radical parties call for Qadri release

Pakistans radical religious parties rallied for the release of Mumtaz Qadri. Supporters marched from Data Darbar shrine to Lahores Mall Road. Street lights in the area were switched off briefly. Reports said the Tahaffuz-e-Namus Risalat Mahaz announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for anyone who killed the judge who convicted Qadri.