News

Pakistan: Accused blasphemer Asia Bibi’s acquittal upheld by Supreme Court

January 29, 2019

We are grateful to Almighty God for this second exoneration of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was held in prison on death row for eight years on spurious blasphemy charges. The problem of her safety, however, still remains. Mobs all over the nation of Pakistan are still demanding her death. She only has any chance of living in safety and peace if she is able to leave Pakistan, which will be difficult. Please continue to pray that justice would prevail in her case and that she would be protected from those who wish to kill her.

“Asia Bibi blasphemy acquittal upheld by Pakistan court,” BBC, January 29, 2019:

Pakistan’s top court has rejected a challenge to the acquittal of a Christian woman on blasphemy charges.

The Supreme Court upheld its decision to overturn Asia Bibi’s conviction and death sentence.

She was originally convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a row with her neighbours, and spent eight years on death row.

She has always maintained her innocence in a case that has polarised Pakistan.

The Supreme Court’s quashing of her sentence last October led to violent protests by religious hardliners who support strong blasphemy laws, while more liberal sections of society urged her release.

Hardliners had petitioned to overturn this ruling.

“Based on merit, this petition is dismissed,” Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said in court on Tuesday.

Ms Bibi – also known as Asia Noreen – was unable to leave Pakistan while an appeal request was pending….