Insta
Asia Bibi ((@charwaha.pk/Facebook)
After being given a clean chit over blasphemy charges by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Asia Bibi, who belongs to the country’s Christian minority, has finally left the country and has taken asylum in Canada, reports The Guardian.
“Asia Bibi has left Pakistan and reached Canada. She has reunited with her family. Justice has been dispensed,” Saiful Malook stated.
Bibi spent some eight years on death row on accusations of insulting Prophet Muhammad during an argument with her Muslim neighbours in 2010.
Under the Pakistan penal code, blasphemy is punishable by death or life imprisonment. Widely criticised by international human rights groups, the law has been used disproportionately against minorities and journalists. Rumours of insulting can even lead to massive lynchings.
Two high-profile politicians who came to Bibi’s support were murdered by Islamic fundamentalists. Serving as the governor of Punjab province at the time, Salman Taseer was shot dead by one of his guards in 2011.
Similarly, Minister for Minority Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti was murdered by Taliban gunmen.
After her acquittal, Islamist groups such as the Tehreek-e-Labbaik carried out mass demonstrations against the judgement.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest