Asia Bibi’s Acquittal Upheld

Pakistan’s top court has upheld its acquittal of a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, clearing the last legal hurdle and freeing Aasia Bibi to leave the country.

The three-judge panel of the country’s Supreme Court on Tuesday said the arguments of the lawyer acting on behalf of the petitioners did not satisfy the judges.

Radical Islamists had demanded the court reverse its October 31 acquittal and execute Bibi.

When she will leave and where she will go remain to be seen, however, with rampant unconfirmed speculation she will seek asylum in a North American or European country.

Moments after the ruling was announced, Bibi’s lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook hinted that his client’s move could be imminent.

Unconfirmed Pakistani reports claim her children have already fled to Canada. France said it was ready to welcome Bibi and her family “if they wish”.