"Collection of Pakistani Asia Bibi in the Netherlands"

The Netherlands must temporarily house the Pakistani Asia Bibi because he is in danger in his own country. That's what say CDA and D66. They ask the government to give women a place through the Shelter Cities program.

D66-MP Sjoerdsma speaks of an emergency situation. "Bibi has been seriously threatened since his release."

Asia Bibi was acquitted in Pakistan this week after being sentenced to death for blasphemy. The mother of five children stayed in a cell for eight years. She was punished for insulting the Prophet Muhammad during a dispute. She herself always said that she was innocent. His conviction has caused horror around the world.

Hanging up in public

This week, Bibi was released as a result of a ruling by Pakistan's highest judge. Immediately after, demonstrations broke out. Hundreds of protesters, including supporters of the strictly Islamic TLP party, took to the streets, blocked roads and burned tires. They demand that Bibi always be hanged in public. The woman is now in a secret location and is awaiting her official release.

Sjoerdsma considers the situation to be very serious. "After eight years of imprisonment, she is now seriously threatened, allowing her to take a safe breath in the Netherlands so that she can know where she wants to commit suicide with her children." She can not go nowhere in Pakistan. "

Van Helvert, CDA Member of Parliament: "Freedom of faith and religion is a universal human right, and Asia Bibi has become an advocate of this right". SGP leader Van der Staaij also said he wanted to provide temporary relief to Asia Bibi.

Short period

The 11 Dutch "Shelter Cities" offer people temporary care for three to six months. They are often human rights defenders, such as journalists, lawyers or artists, who can temporarily obtain an emergency visa.

Sjoerdsma recognizes that it is a short period of time. The woman has a family in Pakistan, and officially a family is not part of the program, but Sjoerdsma "can imagine that the organization (Justice and Peace) caresses their heart". Sjoerdsma recognizes that the chances of the woman returning to Pakistan after a few months are not great. "It sounds bleak, but it's up to Bibi and her family to decide what they'll do next."