‘Bittersweet’: Asia Bibi To Leave For Canada As Supreme Court Rejects Petition Against Her Acquittal
The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday upheld its verdict in Asia Bibi case and rejected a petition filed against her acquittal.
Bibi was set free after spending 8 years in prison on death row in Blasphemy case. The Supreme Court acquitted on in October, leading to countrywide protests by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
A petition against SC’s verdict was also filed later, but was rejected today.
Petitioner Qari Muhammad Salaam had requested the court to maintain death sentence of Asia Bibi. He is also the person who accused Bibi of blasphemy and filed a case against her.
The court said that the petitioner’s lawyer couldn’t prove anything wrong with the court verdict.
According to The Guardian, Bibi, who was taken to a secret location after October’s verdict, could be flown to Canada within hours. Two of her children are already there.
Twitter lauds Supreme Court for upholding its verdict in Asia Bibi case
‘This finally clears path to her freedom’
The Supreme Court's decision to uphold #AsiaBibi's acquittal finally clears the path to her freedom – one that has been riddled with injustice, violence and intimidation. She must now be reunited with her family without delay and seek safety in a country of her choice. #Pakistan
— Amnesty International South Asia (@amnestysasia) January 29, 2019
This is what Justice Khosa told the petitioner and it’s SAVAGE!
“You are saying that Aasia said this [alleged blasphemous words] while addressing 25 people. Was she addressing a “jalsa”? – Justice Khosa
😂😂😂😂😂😂 #AsiaBibi— ہُما (@mysteriouslywow) January 29, 2019
‘A welcome relief’
No surprises here #AsiaBibi but still a welcome relief
— Zarrar Khuhro (@ZarrarKhuhro) January 29, 2019
‘A moment of pride and joy’
And finally! A moment of proud and joy. 😊😇🙏❤
God bless you #AsiaBibi ❤❤– Supreme Court rejected challenges against acquittal of mother-of-five Asia Bibi.
– She will likely seek asylum abroad.https://t.co/GHu0oSW3SA— Ali Salman Andani (@an_alisalman) January 29, 2019
‘Bittersweet justice’
After nine long long years behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, this is really bittersweet justice, if justice at all. #AsiaBibi is acquitted by Supreme Court, again, and free to walk. Reports that she will go to #Canada.
— Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) January 29, 2019
After 8 tumultuous years in prison away from her family, Asia Bibi will finally reunite with her children and husband. The only regret here is that it would not happen so in Pakistan.
Here is hoping Bibi finds happiness and peace in Canada which her home country could not offer.
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Naya Daur Media (NDM) is a bi-lingual progressive digital media platform aiming to inform and educate Pakistanis at home and abroad.
