Asia Bibi expected to leave Pakistan as court dismisses challenge to acquittal

The Supreme Court of Pakistan announced it has “dismissed the petition” to review the case of Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who has spent eight years in prison accused of blasphemy against Islam.

In 2010, she was convicted after being accused of insulting the prophet Muhammad. But the Supreme Court overturned the conviction and the death sentence in November, saying there was not enough evidence.

Violent protests broke out in the following days, as Islamic leaders called to revolt against the judges, the government and kill the Christian woman.

Asia Bibi has spent the last weeks in an undisclosed place in Pakistan. She was unable to leave the country as the appeal request was pending.

“She should now be free to reunite with her family and seek safety in a country of her choice”, Amnesty International said.

Asia Bibi has been offered asylum by a number of countries. She is married and has five children.