A Pakistani Christian couple who spent seven years on death row have arrived safely in Europe after being acquitted of blasphemy in June.
A court sentenced Shafqat Emmanuel and his wife Shagufta Kausar to death by hanging in 2014 after they were accused of sending blasphemous text messages insulting Islam.
The parents of four faced renewed death threats after their successful appeal as news of their acquittal spread.
Supporters told CBN News they are delighted the couple have been released and are now in a safe place which is not being disclosed for their protection.
Christian groups say the case is not an isolated incident, and highlights the risks that many Christians experience in Pakistan today.
Under that country’s harsh blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death.
Although no one has ever been executed for it, dozens have been killed by mobs for just being accused of the crime.
During the trial, the couple’s lawyer suggested a neighbour might have attempted to frame them
