Asia Bibi arrives in Canada after blasphemy acquittal

• Keerthi Mohan
• 08 May, 2019

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By: Keerthi Mohan

A Christian woman who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy before she was freed last year has left the country for Canada.

Her lawyer confirmed to the media that she has reunited with her family in Canada.

“It is a big day,” Saiful Malook told the Guardian. “Asia Bibi has left Pakistan and reached Canada. She has reunited with her family. Justice has been dispensed.”

Pakistani government officials did not reveal when she left.

The 53-year-old was supposed to leave Pakistan for Canada in January. Her two daughters have already moved to Canada after prime minister Justin Trudeau offered asylum.

Bibi’s youngest daughter, 18-year-old Eisham Aashiq, earlier appealed to prime minister Khan to let Bibi leave Pakistan.

“I would like to tell him to think about us, and release my mother. We love Pakistan very much, and my mummy will never speak against Pakistan as she loves it too,” she was quoted as saying.

Bibi was sentenced to death in 2010 over accusations that she had insulted the prophet Muhammad. She always maintained her innocence.

In October 2018, Bibi was freed on appeal and her acquittal led hardline Islamist leaders to call for the death of the judges who made the decision.

Following widespread protests, the government barred Bibi from leaving the country, with hardline Islamists threatening to track her down and kill her.

Some have suggested they would pursue her abroad if she leaves the country.