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OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that talks are underway with the Pakistani government over a Pakistani Christian, whose acquittal on charges of blasphemy against Islam. had sparked mass demonstrations in this country of Southeast Asia.
Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan before being released, is on remand because her life is in danger from those who do not agree. with acknowledgment. Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, has appealed for help in Britain, Canada, Italy and the United States. (Https://reut.rs/2qyeBXk)
"We are in discussions with the Pakistani government," Trudeau said in an interview with Agence France Presse in Paris, where he attended a ceremony marking the end of the First World War. His remarks were confirmed by a spokesperson in Ottawa.
"We respect the delicate national context that we respect and that is why I do not want to say more about it, but I will remind people that Canada is a welcoming country," he added.
Although AFP stated that the discussions were about the possibility of offering asylum to Bibi and his family, this was not confirmed by the spokesman in Ottawa.
Islamists have threatened to escalate protests in Pakistan if Bibi is allowed to leave the country. The government has indicated that it will prohibit him from traveling abroad.
Last week, Canada urged Pakistan to ensure the well-being of Bibi. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the government was "extremely committed to this file".
Bibi was found guilty of blasphemy in 2010 after neighbors had said she had made disparaging remarks about Islam when they objected that she was drinking from him. 39 water in their glass because she was not muslim. She is Protestant and denies blasphemy.
Islamists blocked roads in Pakistan's big cities for three days of protests against the acquittal of Bibi at the end of last month.
Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, escaped to the Netherlands earlier this week, fearing for the safety of his family.
(Steve Scherer report, edited by Tom Brown)
