[ad_1]
Copyright of the image
EPA
Demonstrators demand the restoration of the death penalty of Asia Bibi
The lawyer representing a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row fled Pakistan, fearing for her life.
Saif Mulook told the AFP news agency that he had to leave in order to continue representing Asia Bibi, whose conviction was overturned by judges on Wednesday.
Officials have since agreed to ban Ms. Bibi from leaving Pakistan to end the violent protests against the trial.
The activists have denounced the agreement, which amounts to signing his "death sentence".
Asia Bibi was found guilty in 2010 of insulting the Prophet Muhammad during an argument with neighbors. Many are calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty following his acquittal.
Mr Mulook told the BBC earlier this week that she should settle in a Western country for her own safety. A number of attempts have already been made on his life.
Several countries offered him asylum.
Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry defended the government against allegations that an agreement with an Islamist party capitulated to extremists.
He added that the government "would take all necessary measures" to ensure the safety of Asia Bibi.
Mulook, however, described the deal as "painful".
"They can not even execute an order from the highest court in the country," he told AFP before boarding the plane for Europe.
Mr Mulook said that he had decided to leave because it was "impossible" to continue living in Pakistan, adding, "I have to stay alive because I still have to fight the legal battle for Asia Bibi".
Multimedia playback is not supported on your device
He told the Pakistan Tribune Express Tribune that he would return to the country to defend his client, but that the government should provide security.
The demonstrations were led by the Tehreek-i-Labaik Party (TLP).
As a party to its agreement with the TLP, the government has stated that it will not oppose the petitions filed against the Supreme Court's verdict.
What else is in the transaction?
All protesters arrested since the acquittal of Asia Bibi will be released and any violence against them will be the subject of an investigation.
The government will also begin legal proceedings to list Ms. Bibi on a list that would prohibit her from leaving Pakistan.
In return, the TLP is asking its supporters to stop demonstrations and disperse peacefully.
The authorities have previously indicated that Ms. Bibi's release was scheduled to take place later this week.
What was she accused of?
The lawsuit stems from an argument that Ms. Bibi, whose full name is Asia Noreen, had had with a women's group in June 2009.
They were picking fruit when a row broke out around a bucket of water. The women said that because she had used a cup, they could no longer touch it because her faith had made her unclean.
Copyright of the image
AFP / Getty Images
There is widespread support for harsh sanctions for blasphemers in Pakistan
Prosecutors said that in the row that followed, the women said that Asia Bibi had to convert to Islam and that she had made offensive remarks about the Prophet Muhammad in response .
She was later beaten at home, during which her accusers confessed to confessing blasphemy. She was arrested after a police investigation.
In Wednesday's ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that the case was based on weak evidence and that his confession was delivered in front of a crowd "threatening to kill her".
Why is this case so divisive?
Islam is the national religion of Pakistan and underpins its legal system. Public support for strict blasphemy laws is strong.
Intransigent politicians have often advocated harsh sentences, in part to strengthen their support base.
- Christians: the "forgotten minority" of Pakistan
- The last hours of a Christian health worker in Pakistan
Critics argue that laws have often been used to avenge personal conflicts and that convictions are based on thin evidence.
The vast majority of convicts are Muslims or members of the Ahmadi community, but since the 1990s, many Christians have been convicted. They represent only 1.6% of the population.
The Christian community has been the target of numerous attacks in recent years, leaving a large number of people vulnerable to a climate of intolerance.
Since 1990, at least 65 people were reportedly killed in Pakistan on charges of blasphemy.
