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OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada urged Pakistan on the face of a Pakistani Christian woman whose life is in danger after having been acquitted in the South Asian country against blasphemy charges against Islam, a ruling that sparked mass protests.
The case of Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan before being released, has outraged Christians worldwide. Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, has appealed for help to Britain, Canada, Italy and the United States, and so far, Italy has said it would assist her. (Https://reut.rs/2qyeBXk)
"It's a very important issue," said Canada's foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, "Federica Mogherini, in Montreal.
Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 after being told about it. She is a Protestant and denies committing blasphemy.
"Canada calls on Pakistan to take over all measures to ensure the safety of Asia Bibi and her family," Freeland said. "Canada is prepared to do everything we can" and is "very proud of this issue," Freeland said.
Islamists shut down roads in major cities in Pakistan during three days of demonstrations against Bibi's acquittal. They have threatened to escalate the protests if she is allowed to leave the country. The government has indicated it will be
Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, fled to the Netherlands.
(Reporting by Steve Scherer Editing by Bernadette Baum)
